ON Tuesday, January 14, the Senate approved on third and final reading of Senate Bill No. 2816, which if enacted into law, establishes a four-year term of office for barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, one of the authors of the measure, expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to provide stability and continuity in local governance.
In his manifestation during the Senate session, Senator Go highlighted the measure’s importance for local governance, noting its role in addressing challenges faced by barangay and SK officials. “As one of the authors of this measure, I am very happy with the progress of this bill, as this measure promotes stability and continuity in barangay and SK leadership,” Senator Go stated.
The bill proposes the term of barangay and SK officials to four years while limiting them to three consecutive terms in the same position. It also ensures that the next regular elections for these officials will be held on October 2027, with subsequent elections scheduled every four years.
Senator Go also reminded barangay and SK officials of their primary duty to serve their constituents. “Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa ating mga barangay and SK officials, unahin po natin ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang mahirap, at tayo po ay bukas ang ating opisina para sa kanilang lahat, lalung-lalo na po sa inyong mga nasasakupan sa inyong barangay,” he urged.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Go underscored the measure’s potential in empowering young leaders and fostering civic engagement.
“Meanwhile, as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, the bill ensures that the Sangguniang Kabataan continues to play a vital component in youth representation, as this will also ensure the opportunity to empower young leaders and encourage civic engagement. By extending their term, we allow them to maximize their contributions to youth development and nation-building.”
The senator also acknowledged the efforts of Senator Imee Marcos, the principal sponsor of the bill. “I thank and congratulate the principal sponsor of this measure, our dear colleague, Senator Imee Marcos, for pushing this significant measure that will surely be of great help to our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
As an advocate for barangay welfare, among his other priority legislative proposals is Senate Bill No. 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials. If enacted, the bill will provide barangay officials with significant benefits and privileges, recognizing their sacrifices and motivating them to serve their communities more effectively.
Senator Go also filed Senate Bill No. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, which seeks to guarantee fair compensation for barangay health workers who play a pivotal role in community health services.