The Philippines officially postponed this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure resetting the polls to November 2026 and imposing new term limits for village and youth officials.
Republic Act 12232, which took effect upon publication, moves the next regular Barangay and SK Elections to the first Monday of November 2026 and every four years thereafter.
The law effectively cancels the 2025 elections, extending the terms of all incumbent officials until their successors are elected and qualified.
“This measure ensures synchronized and predictable local governance cycles,” the law states, while also setting clear limits to prevent overstaying in office.
Barangay officials are now allowed to serve a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position, while SK officials are limited to serving only one term. Voluntary resignation will not be considered a break in service for term-limit purposes.
Under the new timetable, officials elected after the 2026 polls will assume office on December 1 of that year. Those currently serving their third consecutive term in the same barangay position will be prohibited from running for the same post next year.
The holdover provision means that all incumbent barangay and SK leaders will continue in their posts for more than a year beyond their original mandate.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is tasked with drafting the implementing rules within 90 days.
Barangay and SK Elections, which cover more than 42,000 villages nationwide, have historically been prone to postponements.
Republic Act 12232 also repeals or amends previous laws inconsistent with its provisions, cementing the new four-year electoral cycle for the country’s smallest political units.
