THE president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Mandaue City has expressed strong support for the newly approved Senate bill extending the term of office for barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) from three to four years.
In a statement sent to SunStar Cebu on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, ABC Mandaue president Dante Borbajo said he strongly supports the extension because of challenges faced by barangay officials in implementing long-term projects within the three-year term limit.
“Having served in the barangay for a decade, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by the limited time available to implement projects, particularly large-scale initiatives,” Borbajo said.
Borbajo, who serves as barangay captain of Canduman, said the three-year term often resulted in projects left unfinished or abandoned when new administrations took over.
“After just one or two years in office, officials must prepare for another election. If a new administration takes over with a different agenda, ongoing programs are often set aside or left unfinished, leading to wasted resources and unrealized potential,” Borbajo said.
Positive step
He said the four-year term is seen as a positive step toward ensuring that barangay initiatives are completed and resources are used more efficiently.
The bill also includes a provision that no barangay official will be allowed to serve for more than three consecutive terms in the same position.
The extended term is also expected to enhance governance at the grassroots level.
“This measure not only strengthens governance at the grassroots level but also empowers both the officials and the communities they serve,” Borbajo said.
Senate Bill 2816 was passed with unanimous support, receiving 22 affirmative votes and no opposition or abstentions during the regular plenary session on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
According to the bill, the next regular barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will take place on the first Monday of October 2027, and will subsequently occur every four years.
Additionally, incumbent barangay officials who have served three consecutive terms in the same position will be ineligible to run for the same office in the 2027 elections. / CAV