President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the measure setting the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials at five years and moving the next local elections to 2028.
The Palace announced the signing days before the scheduled filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs), which was set to begin Sept. 28.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the signing during a Presidential Communications Office press briefing in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
Castro said lawmakers and Marcos recognized the role of barangay officials in local communities. She cited their involvement in mobilizing barangay officials in efforts to address crime, responding to floods and helping manage waste disposal.
The Palace also emphasized that the additional time in office is intended for officials to continue working and performing their responsibilities.
The measure originated as Senate Bill No. 2387. The House of Representatives adopted the Senate version, allowing it to be sent to the President without a bicameral conference committee. Senate President Win Gatchalian previously confirmed that the enrolled bill had reached Malacañang.
Under the new measure, the term of barangay and SK officials will be five years. The next Barangay and SK Elections, originally scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026, will instead be held on the second Monday of November 2028.
The signing comes as the Commission on Elections had been preparing for the 2026 polls and had previously said COC filing would proceed unless a law postponing the elections was enacted.
