ILOILO City – The proposed legislation to extend barangay officials’ terms from three to four years has sparked strong reactions among Ilonggos, with residents and local officials locked in a debate over whether the move promotes better governance or enables prolonged inefficiency and corruption.
While some barangay leaders defend the measure as necessary for continuity and effective project implementation, many ordinary citizens warn it could entrench poor leadership and reduce accountability at the grassroots level.
“Four years is too long. It gives corrupt officials more time to do damage. We need change, not prolonged rule,” said Angel, a carinderia worker.
Echoing her sentiments, Sugar, a call center agent, stressed the need for a “barangay detox” to clear out ineffective officials and give competent ones a chance: “It depends on how competent they are, but personally, I prefer change — we need fresh leadership.”
Tricycle driver Danilo Tiopi, 37, believes in respecting the law but prefers sticking to the current term length to avoid unnecessary delays in leadership transition.
“If you serve the people well, you’ll win no matter what. But some officials hinder aid distribution, so better not to postpone the elections,” he said.
Joemar Buensuceso, a 32-year-old trisikad driver, lamented how political favoritism taints local governance: “Those close to the powerful get everything. Even DOLE assistance always ends up with their relatives.”
He opposed the extension, adding, “If they’re corrupt, four years will just mean more corruption.”
Another resident, who asked to be identified only as “Toto,” simply said, “Four years? That’s too much. No more extensions.”
But some barangay officials argue otherwise. One who identified himself only as “Antonio” raised a procedural concern. He pointed out that under the current proposal, elected officials whose terms end in 2025 would be under holdover status until 2026 — a situation he described as problematic.
“After December, we’re no longer elected officials but OICs. That’s not ideal,” he said.
Some officials emphasized the importance of sincerity in public service. Barangay Kagawad Bongbong Avelino of Concepcion, City Proper said, “I support the extension — but only for officials who are truly sincere. We must serve to be useful, not just stay in power.”
Former Punong Barangay Peter Abadiano of Zamora-Melliza noted the time constraint for newly elected leaders. “Even three years is short. Based on my 10 years of experience, two years isn’t enough to pursue the programs and projects we envision.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is currently weighing the bill seeking to postpone the December 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and extend the current officials’ terms. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions in Congress, with some lawmakers insisting that the electoral process should proceed as scheduled to uphold democratic accountability.
As the debate continues, barangay halls and households across Iloilo mirror the national divide — between calls for reform and pleas for continuity. Punong Barangay Joel Alvarado of Bakhaw, Mandurriao here said a four-year term would enable barangay officials to plan and execute long-term projects more effectively.
“Short terms make it hard to launch meaningful programs. This would benefit the sincere ones,” he said.
Barangay Kagawad Eden Lopez agreed: “With the extension, we can push through with ongoing projects. If a new administration takes over, those plans might be scrapped.”
Barangay Captain Lilibeth Eduardo of Burgos-Mabini in La Paz was also in favor: “If you ask us barangay officials, of course we want an extension. It gives us time to complete what we started.”
For Barangay Kagawad Rosa Camba of Dungon A, Jaro, while the extension offers some benefits, she cautioned that fairness must be considered. “Many will be affected. But with or without a position, I still serve my community.”/PN
