CYAN and Model SK Stand Firm Against the Undemocratic and Unconstitutional Term Extension

The Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) together with Model SK Network strongly condemns the adoption of the Senate version of the bill by the Bicameral Conference Committee which postpones the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections to November 2026 and fixes the term of office of officials to four years. This decision effectively extends the terms of current officials by one year, contrary to the spirit of democratic accountability and in clear defiance of the 1987 Constitution and established jurisprudence.

This is not just a political move—it is a betrayal of the trust placed in youth leaders and an erosion of the democratic rights of millions of young Filipinos.

Not Just Illegal—It’s Unjust

CYAN stands firm in its belief that the postponement is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruling in Macalintal v. COMELEC (2019) already set the precedent: elections must not be postponed for mere convenience or political maneuvering. Officials are elected with a fixed term, and any extension without a mandate from the people violates that principle.

This recent legislative action spits in the face of that ruling. It sends a dangerous message: that public office is a position to be protected, not a responsibility to be earned.

Democracy Cannot Wait

In any healthy democracy, elections are sacred. They are the mechanism by which people choose their leaders, hold them accountable, and renew the social contract. By postponing the elections and granting an unmandated extension, Congress has stolen the power of the people—particularly the youth—to decide who should lead.

For youth leaders who are active, reform-driven, and grounded in the needs of their communities, this delay is disheartening. It deprives deserving young leaders of the opportunity to serve and transform governance. Worse, it emboldens those who have failed to perform, extending their hold on power without public consent.

Why Extend Terms When the Real Issues Remain Unaddressed?

Instead of railroading a term extension, our legislators should be focusing on real reforms that empower SK leaders and improve governance at the grassroots. CYAN and MSK Network has consistently advocated for:

• Strengthening financial management and compliance capacity of SK councils

• Ensuring full implementation of the SK Reform Law, especially on benefits and training

• Providing support for procurement and program planning, not just mandates

• Increasing institutional support for LYDOs and LYDCs, who are often underfunded and under-recognized

None of these have been meaningfully addressed. Yet, here we are, facing another postponement that does nothing to improve governance—only to preserve power.

Good Governance Needs Elections, Not Extensions

CYAN believes that genuine leadership must be tested through elections. Extending terms without public approval favors the status quo—often plagued by inaction, inefficiency, and worse, corruption.

We remind our legislators: good governance is not about staying longer in power. It is about performing with excellence during your mandated time in office. Anything beyond that, without a new mandate, is not leadership—it is entitlement.

We Call on the President: VETO This Bill

CYAN and MSK Network now calls on the President of the Republic to stand on the side of democracy, constitutionalism, and youth empowerment by vetoing this bill. Uphold the people’s right to vote. Defend the gains of the youth movement. Honor the principle that power must always come from the people.

To our fellow youth leaders, LYDCs, LYDOs, SK officials, and advocates nationwide: Now is the time to act. Let us not be silent in the face of this injustice. Let us rally, organize, and speak out. Let us remind our leaders that we are watching—and we will not forget.