Robin Padilla wants ex-presidents to automatically become presidential advisers

MANILA, Philippines— Senator Robin Padilla is proposing that all former heads of state automatically become presidential advisers.

This is in addition to other benefits for former presidents that his colleagues are proposing through Senate Bill No. 1784.

“I fully support the proposal to give additional benefits to former Presidents, especially since their sacrifice for the nation continues. I am sure they have much to contribute to our nation, even after their terms end,” Padilla said in a statement on Monday.

“If I may add to the proposed measures, I propose that former Presidents be automatically made presidential advisers, and it will be up to the sitting President to decide which area they can contribute,” he added.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte, for instance, can be made an adviser on law enforcement or on foreign relations, Padilla further said.

The bill filed by Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Mark Villar, Ronald Dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino proposed granting former presidents and their immediate families personal security and protection “in order to thwart any attempt to harm them even after leaving public office.”

The measure also proposes a suitable office space and adequate staff for the former leaders to be provided by the Office of the President as they continue to perform “post-presidential duties such as meeting with foreign and local dignitaries, and attending public events and other social engagements.”

“These duties often require them to employ the services of personal staff and maintain private offices,” the senator said in their explanatory note in the bill.

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