President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a new law to shift the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in the Philippines from 2026 to 2028. Another amendment in RA 12326 is the term of office for elected barangay and SK officials is five years. The law was signed on 24 September 2026, and published on 25 September 2026.
The transfer allows the barangay elections which were originally to be held on November 2, 2026, to be cancelled. If the next regular barangay elections in the Philippines are delayed, they will now be held on the second Monday of November 2028.
Barangay Elections 2028: What Does the New Law Say?
RA 12326, titled an Act fixing the term of office of Barangay Officials and Members of the Sangguniang Kabataan to five years, amends provisions of Republic Act No. 12232.
Under the new law:
- The next BSKE will take place on the second Monday of November 2028.
- Subsequent barangay and SK elections will be held every five years.
- The term of elected barangay and SK officials is fixed at five years.
- Barangay officials cannot serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position.
- SK officials cannot serve more than one term in the same position.
The law takes effect after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Why Were the 2026 Barangay Elections Postponed?
The law was a result of weeks of debate in Congress about the term of office for barangay and SK officers.
The five-year term was designed to set a more distinct timeline for the elections and give more time to local leaders to plan programs, said the principal author and sponsor of the measure, Senator Francis Escudero.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) still preps for the November 2, 2026 elections as the postponement had not yet become effective. The Comelec originally had the deadline for filing of certificates of candidacy between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.
The poll body also said that about ₱8 billion worth of election preparations had already been done. Printed ballots and other purchased equipment may be retained for the rescheduled election, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.
What Happens to Current Barangay and SK Officials?
The postponement of the barangay and SK elections prolongs the existence of the current barangay and SK which will continue to serve until their successors are elected and meet the qualifications.
An important transition provision in RA 12326 is that the incumbent elected barangay officials are deemed to have served one term due to the extension of two years. This means that those currently holding the same office can’t seek the same office in the 2028 Barangay elections.
The law also allows for administrative, civil and criminal investigations and liabilities of incumbent officials during the transition period.
Continuing training for local officials
The law also mandates ongoing training and capacity development of barangay and SK workers. The program will be spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other agencies such as the TESDA, Comelec and state universities and colleges.
Reaction to the Barangay Elections 2028 Law
The postponement has drawn different responses.
The five-year term is intended to provide a “predictable local governance cycle,” supporters of the measure say, which is led by Senator Escudero.
But NAMFREL was not pleased with the postponement and noted that it would be supporting challenge of the constitutionality of the law.
Poll body chairman George Garcia has also indicated that he believes petitions challenging the postponement will make their way to the Supreme Court. Comelec has, therefore, paused its efforts on the cancelled 2026 election cycle, which involves COC filing.
The changes would bring the new election plan back into the realm of potential court action.
Official Election Updates
For verified information about the 2028 barangay elections, voters should follow official announcements from the Commission on Elections and Philippine government agencies rather than relying on social-media claims.
A specific official X or Instagram post about RA 12326 could not be independently verified in the available search results. The official government reporting on the law is available through the Philippine Information Agency.
FAQs
When will the next barangay elections be held in the Philippines?
The next regular Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections will be held on the second Monday of November 2028, followed by elections every five years.
Why were the 2026 barangay elections postponed?
RA 12326 changed the term structure for barangay and SK officials to five years and, as part of the new electoral cycle, moved the next regular elections to November 2028.
How long is the new barangay official term?
Under RA 12326, elected barangay and SK officials have a five-year term. Barangay officials are limited to two consecutive terms in the same position, while SK officials are limited to one.
Can current barangay officials run again in 2028?
It depends on their current term. Incumbent barangay officials serving their final term in the same position are considered to have completed one term because of the two-year extension and cannot seek the same position in the November 2028 election.
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