NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
tlDfrirf’of the ^
24 JUN -5 An :26
SENATE
2707
S.B, No.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT SYNCHRONIZING THE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTIONS 
WITH THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall 
ensure the autonomy of local governments. In addition, Article X, Section 8 of the 
Constitution makes it clear that the terms of office of barangay officials shall be 
determined by law.
Barangays are the basic unit of government in the Philippines. As of 31 
December 2023, there are 42,001 barangays in the country. These barangay rely on 
their respective Barangay officials for their smooth and proper operations.
However, running the barangay is not the only responsibility of Barangay 
officials. To say that the responsibilities and duties of these officials are varied is an 
understatement. The roles of barangay officials encompass those of a mediator, 
peace-maker, social worker, rescue worker, and representative of the people. They 
also have pivotal roles in the planning and implementation of the policies, plans, 
programs, projects, and activities of the National Government and local government 
units.
It is unfortunate that because of their myriad duties and responsibilities, 
Barangay officials often do not get the chance formulate, develop, and implement 
their own policies and projects. The present term of three years is far too short for


these officials to see their own projects through, since they spend the greater portion 
of their terms implementing the policies and projects of the National Government and 
as well as those of the city, municipal, or provincial government units.
In fact, from 1982 to 2022, average term of barangay officials has been 4 years 
and 4 months. During the same period, there have been countless postponements of 
the barangay elections. These are clear indications of the perennial problem of the 
insufficiency of the term of barangay officials. Therefore, it is necessary to set and fix, 
once and for all, the terms of office of these officials. A term of six years would be 
sufficient and would enable these officials not only to comply with all the orders and 
mandate of the National Government and various local governments, but also to 
design and implement their own policies and projects for the betterment of their 
respective barangays.
An equally important reason to fix longer terms of office for barangay officials 
is to enable the National Government to save billions of pesos. For the barangay 
elections in 2023, the COMELEC required a budget of around Php 18 billion. This 
upward trend in election costs will continue not only because of the general increase 
in the prices of election materials and manpower, but also because of the possibility 
that even barangay elections will also be automated in the future.
At this point, it must be pointed out that Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials 
also have crucial roles in the operation and development of the barangay. However, 
there is a need for a thorough review of the present SK laws. Thus, the terms of office 
of SK officials shall be dealt with in future amendments or revisions of the relevant SK 
laws. Given the abovementioned circumstances, the immediate passage of this bill is 
necessary.
MEE R. MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s.B.No, 2707
\ fyasi".
of lii1’ ~ : ciii 'j
24 JUN -5 A11 '26
ri-ceiv:dbv.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT SYNCHRONIZING THE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTIONS 
WITH THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembied:
SECTION 1. Date of Election. - There shall be synchronized sangguniang 
kabataan, national, and local elections which shall be held on 8 May 2028. Subsequent 
synchronized barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections shall be held on the 
second Monday of May and every three years thereafter.
SEC. 2. Term of Office. - The term of office of all elected sangguniang 
kabataan officials shall be three (3) years: Provided, however, that incumbent 
sangguniang kabataan officials who were elected prior to the effectivity of this act 
shall remain in office until their successors shall have been elected and qualified, 
unless sooner removed or suspended for cause.
SEC. 3. Assumption of Office. - The term of office of sangguniang kabataan 
officials elected subsequent to the effectivity of this Act shall commence at noon of 
June 30 next following their election.
SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission on Elections 
(COMELEC) shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary, within ninety (90) 
days, after the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding.
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders, 
issuances, rules and regulations, or part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
likewise repealed or amended accordingly.
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SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the 
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national 
newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,