SEN. GUINGONA FILES BILL EXTENDING BARANGAY OFFICIALS’ TERM

SEN. GUINGONA FILES BILL EXTENDING BARANGAY OFFICIALS’ TERM

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III is pushing for the passage of the bill that aims to extend the term of barangay officials from the current three years to six years. He cites the need to improve local stability, and maximize disaster management program.

Senate Bill No. 2390, otherwise known as “An Act Extending The Term of Barangay Officials to Six Years,” if approved into law will help barangay officials implement and sustain the projects they have for their respective barangays.

Citing the power of Congress under Article X, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Guingona urges his fellow lawmakers to seriously explore the possibility of extending the term of office for barangay officials. 

The proposed measure is intended to improve the local stability and maximize training programs given to barangay officials, particularly on the disaster risk reduction and management.

“Our local barangay officials are closest to the people and they deliver the most basic services to their specific neighborhoods. The proposed measure will allow barangay officials to focus on their long-term service goals. The government can also save the money that is being spent on barangay elections every three years and funnel it to other important projects,” Sen. Guingona said.

Under the bill, no barangay official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position if the six-year term becomes a law.

“Let us lay the groundwork for empowering our local officials to focus on long-term programs and projects that would benefit the people directly. Our barangay officials are called to serve and to lead. Like all government officials, we all should not only do our job competently but with integrity,” Guingona said. /MP