President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure officially postponing this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to 2026 and instituting new term limits and schedules for local village and youth officials.

On Wednesday, Marcos approved the enactment of the Republic Act (RA)12232, or An Act setting the term of office of Barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan. 

Under the new law, the next BSKE will now be held on 2 November 2026, the first Monday of that month, and every four years thereafter. 

The law also sets a four-year term of office for all elected barangay and SK officials, modifying the previous three-year term limit.

RA 12232 also introduces key reforms in local governance, including a maximum of three consecutive four-year terms for barangay officials and a single-term limit for Sangguniang Kabataan officials; mandates that newly elected officials assume office on December 1 following the election.

The law also allows incumbent officials to stay in a holdover capacity until successors are elected and qualified; and bars barangay officials currently on their third consecutive term from seeking reelection in the 2026 polls.

Further, the newly enacted law mandated the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to release the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within 90 days of the law’s effectivity. 

The law takes effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.