The Supreme Court of the Philippines has affirmed the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12326, which establishes five-year terms for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials. This legislation also reschedules the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections to November 2028.
The decision, authored by Chief Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, dismissed a petition filed by Attorney Romulo Macalintal that challenged the legality of the law. Macalintal argued that Congress did not adhere to the Supreme Court's standards regarding the postponement of elections and that the law infringed on citizens' rights to vote and select their officials.
However, the Supreme Court clarified that RA 12326 is not a law to postpone elections but rather one that defines the term length of elected officials. The Court stated that setting the BSKE for November 2028 serves as an implementation of the new five-year term.
The Court emphasized that the law has legitimate goals, including the continuation of programs and the enhancement of governance at the barangay level. It confirmed that citizens' voting rights remain intact, with regular elections scheduled every five years starting from 2028.
Additionally, the Supreme Court noted that officials elected in 2023 should not be regarded as appointed but rather as continuing under a hold-over provision until their successors are elected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Republic Act No. 12326 establish?
It establishes five-year terms for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and reschedules the next elections to November 2028.
Who wrote the decision regarding the constitutionality of the law?
The decision was written by Chief Justice Rodil V. Zalameda.
What was the main argument against the law presented by Atty. Romulo Macalintal?
He claimed that the Congress did not follow proper standards regarding election postponement and that the law violated citizens' voting rights.
Reporting by Joey Bengzon for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.