Former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines– “You are not there forever.”
A former senator expressed concern on the statement of President Benigno Aquino III that he is already open to amending the Constitution to extend his term in a bid to clip the “limitless powers” of the Supreme Court.
Former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., in an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990 AM Thursday, opposed the idea of term extension for Aquino, saying that power has an end and that Aquino should be guided by principles of transparency and accountability.
“He should realize that power has an end and therefore transparency and accountability are principles by which he can continue earning the trust and confidence of our people.”
He also added that the term limit for the presidency was enshrined in the Constitution for a “specific purpose”.
“Kahit anim na taon lang ‘yan [term of the president], kung sisikapin ng Pangulo, marami siyang magagawa,” Pimentel said.
(Even if the president’s term lasts only for six years, he can accomplish many things if he exerts enough effort.)
But Pimentel concedes that the final say on amending the Constitution rests on the opinion of the people.
“Of course, ultimately, that [Charter change] rests with the hands of the people,” Pimentel said.
However, Pimentel favors amending other provisions of the Constitution, such as changing the current Republican system of government into a federal system in order to quell the Muslim secessionist movement.
Pimentel also expressed reservation on the idea of Aquino that the Judiciary wields “limitless powers,” stating that the president should learn from the events that occurred during Martial Law when former President Ferdinand Marcos has “runaway powers” to “control all aspects of the lives of the Filipino people”.
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