05/09/2026
OAMINAL DEFENDS PROPOSED 5-YEAR TERM FOR BARANGAY, SK OFFICIALS
via Bhal Abad Cabrera | September 3, 2026
MANILA, Philippines – Asenso Pinoy Party-list Representative Congressman Henry F. Oaminal Jr. defended House Bill No. 10971, which seeks to extend the term of office of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years and establish a new electoral cycle beginning in 2028.
The proposed measure would amend Republic Act No. 12232, enacted in 2025, which increased the term of barangay and SK officials from three years to four years and scheduled the next elections for 2026.
During House deliberations, Oaminal, one of the bill’s sponsors, maintained that the measure should not be viewed primarily as an election postponement but as an exercise of Congress’ constitutional authority to fix the term of office of barangay officials.
He cited the Supreme Court’s second Macalintal decision, arguing that Congress’ authority to determine the term of office also includes the power to establish when a new electoral cycle begins.
Oaminal said a five-year term would give barangay officials more time to implement development programs, noting that local officials are tasked with preparing and carrying out five-year development plans.
He also raised concerns about the possible discontinuation of projects when leadership changes, as well as the government’s recurring expenses in training newly elected officials.
The lawmaker said the measure was crafted following consultations with grassroots leaders and other stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Liga ng mga Barangay, the National Youth Commission, and the SK Federation.
The proposal, however, has drawn questions over its application to incumbent officials and its practical effect of moving the next barangay and SK elections from 2026 to 2028.
Oaminal said applying the proposed five-year term to incumbent officials would serve as a transition toward a regular five-year electoral cycle.
“The five-year term is the most advantageous, not really just for our barangay officials, but for our constituents, their respective constituencies, and the nation as a whole,” Oaminal said.