Senator Imee Marcos is calling on her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to act swiftly and sign the proposed law extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to four years.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, the senator revealed that the bill had only recently reached the Palace, despite being transmitted by the House to the Senate as early as July 10 and to the President on July 15.
“Ayan na! Na-transmit na sa wakas kay PBBM! Ang tagal bago makarating, parang tumambay pa kung saan. Kaya, bekenemen, pirmahan na ‘yan!” she said.
The proposed legislation also schedules the next barangay and SK elections in November 2026. Marcos emphasized that delays in communication and action are affecting local officials and the communities they serve.
“Sa pagkakaala ko, hindi karaniwan ang ganitong katagal. Wala ring sapat na paliwanag kung bakit natagalan nang husto. Sa totoo lang, matagal nang tapos ang trabaho sa Senado,” she added.
By law, the President has 30 days upon receipt of a bill to either sign it, veto it, or let it lapse into law.
“Anim na buwan na silang nakaabang. Karapatan nilang malaman kung hanggang kailan sila sa pwesto. Ang tagal-tagal na, oras na para tuparin ang batas,” Sen. Marcos stressed, referring to the barangay and SK officials currently in limbo.
“Pumirma man o hindi, basta’t maging batas na. Let’s get it done, para klaro na ang lahat,” she concluded.
