Romualdez bill seeks 6-year term for barangay, SK officials

House Speaker Martin Romualdez and six other House leaders have filed a bill proposing a fixed six-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to ensure the continuity of their programs and projects. 

House Bill No. 10747 was filed on August 12, according to the website of the House of Representatives. 

“Sa ganitong paraan, magkakaroon kayo ng sapat na oras upang magplano at magpatupad ng mga pang-matagalang programa para sa ikauunlad ng inyong barangay,” said Romualdez during the National Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay on Tuesday. 

(In this way, you will have enough time to plan and implement long-term programs for the benefit of your barangays.) 

Romualdez added the extension of such terms would prevent any electoral issues that could hamper projects and services. 

“Sa loob ng anim na taon, hindi na kayo maaabala ng mga isyung elektoral at makakapagtuon kayo ng buong atensyon sa serbisyo sa inyong mga ka-barangay. Makakabuo tayo ng matatag na pamumuno sa barangay at masisigurong sustainable ang mga proyekto at programa,” he said.

(Within six years, you will no longer be bothered by electoral issues and you will be able to focus on the services to your barangays.) 

Other authors of the bill are Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Tingog Party-list Representatives Jude Acidre and Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino Dy V. 

Senator Imee Marcos earlier filed a similar bill which also provides that elected barangay officials shall not serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position.

The Senate bill also sets the next barangay elections on the last Monday of October 2029 and every six years after. 

The next barangay and SK election is scheduled on December 2025 after being suspended several times. 

SSS for barangay officials 

Romualdez is also mulling Social Security System (SSS) membership for barangay officials after a discussion with SSS president Rolando Macasaet. 

“Umaasa ako na sa lalong madaling panahon, lahat kayo ay magiging miyembro na ng SSS. Sa sandaling mangyari ito, agad na kayong mabibigyan ng life insurance at sa patuloy na pag-iipon natin sa pondo ng SSS, maaari rin kayong mag-qualify sa lifetime pension,” the House Speaker said. 

(I’m expecting that very soon, you will all be members of the SSS. Once it happens, you will be given life insurance and you can qualify for a lifetime pension.) 

He added that the House is considering approving a bill mandating local government units to set aside funds for the monthly SSS premium contribution of barangay officers.

Meanwhile, Macasaet encouraged barangay officials with unpaid loans to apply for the Conso Loan program which would allow them to pay the balance of the principal in the next five years.—LDF, GMA Integrated News