President Marcos signs law delaying barangay, youth elections to November 2028

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has signed Republic Act No. 12326, a measure that delays the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to the second week of November 2028 and extends the term of incumbent local officials from three to five years. The legislation, passed by Congress, was transmitted to the presidential palace on Thursday and formally signed the following day. In a Facebook post, Marcos emphasized that the longer term should be used to improve services, complete projects, and address community needs, describing it as added responsibility to the electorate.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated the president’s view that the change is intended to boost officials’ performance, not to foster complacency. The new election date replaces the originally planned first Monday of November, and opponents have signaled they may bring the issue before the Supreme Court. The law now sets the next barangay and youth council vote for November 2028.