Suarez backs 4-yr term limits for president, lawmakers | Inquirer News

Suarez backs 4-yr term limits for president, lawmakers

/ 02:51 PM October 27, 2016

Minority Floor Leader Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez term limits amendment 1987 Constitution extension

PHOTO BY MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB/INQUIRER.net

Minority Floor Leader Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez on Thursday said he would propose lifting term limits of elected officials as an amendment to the 1987 Constitution.

In a press briefing, Suarez said he would propose amending the term limits of lawmakers from three years (for representatives) to four years per term.

Article continues after this advertisement

He said even senators and president/vice president should have terms in office of four years.

FEATURED STORIES

Suarez added that presidents should be allowed to seek re-election. He said the number of terms is a subject for debate.

Suarez reasoned that the country has become too “politicized” from holding elections every three years.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Politicized na tayo masyado eh. Mag-aaral ka sa first, second year, tapos third year implement, magkakampanya ka na naman. Wala na tayong ginawa kundi magkampanya every three years (We have become politicized too much. You will study during the first and second years and the implementation will be in the third year, then you will campaign again. We have been campaigning for every three years),” Suarez said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I think four years is acceptable. Napakaiksi ang tatlong taon at napakahaba ang anim (Three years is very short and six years is too long),” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

Calls to amend the Charter gained traction after President Rodrigo Duterte urged Congress to revise the Constitution to change the form of government from unitary to federal.

The bill calling for a constituent assembly (Con-ass) hurdled the constitutional amendments committee in the House of Representatives, paving the way for Charter change to be tackled on second reading at the plenary.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Con-ass hurdles House Charter change committee

Duterte’s allies are calling for a Con-ass mode of Charter change, where Congress would convene to propose amendments.

This mode was met with criticisms that Charter change would be used by politicians to extend term limits and promote self-interests.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Other solons pushed for a constitutional convention, or the election of delegates who would propose amendments, but this was overturned by the mode of Con-ass supported by Duterte’s supermajority of allies. RAM/rga

TAGS: amendment, extension, term limits

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.