The proposed bill seeking to extend the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three years to four or even six years is a clear attempt to weaken democracy and diminish public accountability. While proponents argue that longer terms would allow officials to implement and sustain long-term projects, this move is unnecessary and dangerous. It not only deprives citizens of their right to regularly elect their local leaders, but it also paves the way for political stagnation and potential abuse of power.
As an SK official myself, I have seen firsthand how crucial elections are to ensure that public officials remain responsive to their constituents. Barangay and SK officials are at the grassroots level, making decisions that affect the daily lives of the people. If leaders become complacent, people should have the power to vote them out. By extending their terms, we are essentially granting officials a longer stay in office without the necessary electoral validation, a fundamental principle of democracy.
One of the biggest concerns about this bill is that a six-year term would make barangay officials serve longer than some national and local government officials. The president serves a six-year term without reelection. Senators serve six years but face staggered elections. Governors, mayors, and other local officials serve only three-year terms and must seek reelection if they wish to continue. Why should barangay officials, who wield significant power at the community level, be given an unchecked and longer term than most of these higher-ranking officials?
The essence of democracy is accountability, and elections serve as the public’s opportunity to assess their leaders. With a six-year term, ineffective, corrupt, or inactive officials could remain in power for far too long, with little to no incentive to improve their performance. If barangay leaders are truly capable and dedicated, they should seek reelection through the regular electoral process rather than be handed an extended term without challenge.
The issue of postponing and extending barangay and SK elections has already been challenged in court. The Supreme Court has ruled that the postponement of the 2022 Barangay and SK Elections to 2023 was unconstitutional. The decision reaffirmed that extending the terms of elected officials beyond what was originally mandated violates the people’s right to vote and choose their leaders at regular intervals. Despite this ruling, lawmakers are now attempting to bypass the electoral process again, this time through term extensions.
If this bill is passed, it sets a dangerous precedent. What’s to stop future legislators from further extending terms or, worse, removing elections altogether under the pretense of governance stability? The longer public officials stay in power without electoral validation, the more democracy is eroded.
Supporters of the bill argue that extended terms will allow officials to plan and implement long-term projects more effectively. However, the real issue in barangay governance is not the length of terms but the lack of training, resources, and accountability mechanisms for local officials. Giving more time to ineffective leaders does not automatically lead to better governance.
Instead of extending terms, the government should focus on strengthening barangay and SK leadership training programs, improving transparency in project implementation, and ensuring that officials remain accountable through regular elections.
As a youth leader, I strongly believe that the SK system is an essential platform for young people to participate in governance. However, an extended term for SK officials could discourage youth involvement rather than empower it. Many SK officials are students or young professionals who dedicate their time to serving their communities while balancing education or careers. Extending the term to six years could limit opportunities for fresh leaders to step up and engage in governance.
The SK system is meant to be a training ground for young leaders, and frequent elections ensure that more young people get the chance to serve. A longer term could result in a stagnant youth leadership structure, which contradicts the very purpose of the SK—to encourage active and dynamic youth participation in governance.
If we truly want to improve barangay and SK governance, we must uphold the fundamental democratic principle that leadership should always be subject to the people’s will. Elections must remain frequent and fair, ensuring that those in power continuously earn the trust of their constituents.
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Myca Torrente Villegas is a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of the Philippines Visayas. She previously served as the Supreme Student Government president of Dao National High School. Currently, she holds a position as a member of the Sangguniang Kabataan, where she continues her advocacy for youth empowerment and community development.