The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12326, confirming that the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will be held in November 2028.

In a statement dated Nov. 6, Comelec said the ruling removes legal uncertainties surrounding the law and allows the poll body to focus on preparations for the May 2028 presidential elections.

Under the law, the next BSKE will take place on the second Monday of November 2028.

The Supreme Court ruled that RA 12326 is a term-fixing law, not an election postponement measure. It extends the terms of barangay officials to five years and limits them to a maximum of two consecutive terms.

The high court also maintained that the law does not violate the right to vote, noting that the Constitution does not require a specific election frequency or term length for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia thanked the Supreme Court for promptly resolving the legal challenge.

Although the decision was not unanimous, Garcia said it forms part of the law of the land and clears doubts about the law’s legality.