Palace: Duterte open to lead transitory gov’t until 2022 but no term extension

Nothing would change President Rodrigo Duterte’s mind in rejecting a possible term extension under the proposed shift to a federal system, Malacañang said on Monday.

But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President is “willing” to lead the transitory government if it happens before his term expires in 2022.

“Wala po (none),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing on Monday when asked what could possibly change the President’s decision.

The consultative committee (Con-Com) tasked to review the 1987 Constitution submitted its draft Charter to the President on Monday afternoon. Roque revealed that the Con-Com had asked if there is any chance for the President to take a role in the transitory government.

“Ang sagot po ay kung iyan ay (The answer is that if it is) within 2022, yes; but if it’s beyond 2022, definitely not,” he said.

“[H]e is willing to serve in the transition capacity in that scenario, provided it is only until 2022,” he added.

The Palace official said that the President’s willingness to lead the transitory government has also a condition.

“Okay siya (He is Okay), if within 2022, within his term of office, with a special request sa Congress na maglagay na talaga ng provision (to put a provision) that the incumbent President shall be barred from running or seeking reelection under the new Constitution,” he said.

“He wants that. He will communicate it, because he will transmit the final product of the Consultative Committee,” he added. /ee

READ: Duterte vows to step down once PH has working federal system by 2020