BUTUAN CITY – Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Dale Corvera has filed a bill seeking to change the term of office of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three to five years.

“The three-year term for barangay and SK officials is not enough to fully render services to their constituents,” Corvera said, adding that the three-year term is among the reasons for the series of postponements of the elections at the barangay level, pushing him to file House Bill No. 9557 on Wednesday.

“It’s too short since the first year is some sort of orientation to their job and planning on what to do in the next three years,” Corvera said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

According to the lawmaker, village officials normally concentrate on executing their plans during the second year of their term, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented plans and programs and prepare for the upcoming campaign and election.

Article 10, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution provides for the term of office of the village and SK officials for three years. Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991 specifically fixed the term of office of barangay officials for three years.

But Corvera said an amendment lengthening the term of office “of these officials will allow them to be more focused on their services to the people and build stronger relationships with their stakeholders.”

It will also save the government costs from constantly training new barangay and SK officials, pointed out. (PNA)