Senate President Win Gatchalian has called on concerned government agencies to provide empirical studies showing that extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years would lead to better governance and public service.
During a recent Senate hearing on a proposed measure seeking the five-year term, Gatchalian said the extension should be supported by concrete evidence that it would improve governance at the barangay and youth levels.
He specifically asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) to present research demonstrating the potential benefits of a longer term in areas such as public health, peace and order, and anti-drug programs.
“At the end of the day, it should improve governance both with the barangay and also with the SK,” Gatchalian said.
He stressed that longer terms could benefit effective officials but could also pose concerns if poorly performing leaders remain in office longer.
“Ang mahabang termino sa magagaling na kapitan, okay ‘yun. Pero ang mahabang termino sa bulok na kapitan, may problema tayo sa ating mga constituents,” Gatchalian said.
He emphasized the need to demonstrate to voters that extending the term would result in better governance, improved service delivery and stronger youth development.
