Republic Act 12232 Signed Into Law: Extending Stability and Continuity for Barangay and SK Officials

The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas proudly hails the passage of Republic Act 12232, or the Setting of Term of Office of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. Signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on August 13, 2025, the measure is seen as a major milestone in strengthening grassroots governance.

RA 12232 provides barangay and SK officials with a four-year term of office, offering greater stability and opportunity to pursue long-term programs. The law also sets a limit of three consecutive terms for barangay officials in the same position, and one term for SK officials, to ensure leadership renewal while preventing overextension of incumbency.

To guarantee smooth governance, the law carries hold-over provisions: all incumbent barangay and SK officials shall remain in office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed or suspended for cause. For those already serving their third consecutive term, however, they will no longer be eligible to run in the November 2026 Barangay and SK Elections.

RA 12232 further sets the next synchronized barangay and SK elections on November 2, 2026, with subsequent elections scheduled every four years thereafter. Newly elected officials will begin their term of office on December 1, 2026.

The Liga expressed its profound gratitude to President Marcos for approving the measure, and to the lawmakers who spearheaded and supported its passage—House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Imee Marcos, Majority Floor Leader Congressman Sandro Marcos, and former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos—all of whom stood firmly with the Liga in advocating for the law.

With this reform, barangay officials are now better positioned to deliver consistent, sustainable, and impactful governance. As National President Jessica Dy emphasized, the additional time in office will be matched by the Liga’s continued commitment to provide Serbisyong Tapat, Serbisyong May Malasakit, at Serbisyong May Pagmamahal for every barangay in the country.