The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12326, extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years and scheduling the next elections for November 2028. In a decision promulgated on October 14, the High Court dismissed the petition filed by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, ruling that Congress has the authority to set and extend the terms of local officials. The SC clarified that the law establishes a new five-year electoral cycle rather than merely postponing the elections, adding that it does not violate the public’s right to suffrage.
The Court also ruled that incumbent officials may remain in office in a holdover capacity until their successors are elected. Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) welcomed the ruling, saying it clears legal uncertainties and allows the poll body to focus on preparations for the May 2028 national and local elections.
