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Barangay and SK elections 2028 remain the scheduled polls under Republic Act No. 12326, but veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal is challenging the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the postponement of the elections, raising questions about voters’ rights and the continued service of incumbent local officials.

The controversy follows the Supreme Court’s November 6, 2026 announcement that it had upheld the constitutionality of the law, which moved the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from November 2, 2026, to November 2028.

Supreme Court Upholds Election Postponement

Republic Act No. 12326 was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 24, 2026. The measure established five-year terms for barangay and SK officials and set November 2028 as the date for the next elections.

Macalintal previously petitioned the Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional. He argued that postponing the elections would deprive registered voters of their opportunity to choose their local representatives.

He also asked the Court to direct the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to continue preparations for the 2026 polls.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed his petition and upheld the law, recognizing Congress’ authority to determine the terms of barangay and SK officials.

The decision was not unanimous, with some justices raising concerns about the implications of the postponement on voters’ rights and the extension of incumbent officials’ service.

Macalintal Plans to Seek Reconsideration

Following the Supreme Court decision, Macalintal announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration, asking the justices to review their ruling.

He has continued to question the postponement, arguing that voters should be given the opportunity to elect their barangay and SK representatives through regular elections.

A motion for reconsideration would give the Supreme Court an opportunity to review the legal arguments raised in the case. However, unless the Court changes its ruling or issues a different order, the existing election schedule remains in effect.

What the Postponement Means for Voters

The postponement means registered voters will not participate in the regular barangay and SK elections originally scheduled for November 2026.

Under the current law, the next elections are scheduled for November 2028. This affects communities across the country, as barangay officials oversee local governance, community programs, and basic services, while SK officials represent young people and help implement youth-related initiatives.

The change also means that voters who expected to choose new barangay and SK leaders in 2026 will have to wait until the next scheduled polls, unless the Supreme Court revisits its decision.

Incumbent Barangay and SK Officials to Remain

Under the law, incumbent barangay and SK officials may continue serving under a hold-over arrangement until their successors are elected and qualified.

This provision has become one of the main points of concern surrounding the postponement, as it allows current officials to remain in their positions beyond the election schedule originally expected by voters.

The issue has prompted discussions about political accountability, local representation, and the importance of holding regular elections.

Comelec Awaits Further Legal Developments

The Commission on Elections is expected to follow Republic Act No. 12326 and the Supreme Court’s ruling while the legal challenge continues.

For now, the November 2028 schedule remains in place. Macalintal’s planned motion for reconsideration could determine whether the Supreme Court will revisit the issue or maintain its earlier decision.

The final outcome will be important for voters, local officials, and communities nationwide as the country prepares for the next round of barangay and SK elections.