Duterte wants Cha-cha to shorten terms of gov’t officials

President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo by KING RODRIGUEZ / Presidential Photographers Division)

Dismissing claims that he would extend his term through Charter change (Cha-cha), President Rodrigo Duterte urged Congress on Tuesday night to shorten the terms of government officials when amending the Constitution.

In a speech during the birthday party of former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Duterte said Congress should draft a new charter that would stop corruption and improve the lives of Filipinos.

“‘Pag magbago ang (When they draft a new) Constitution, they should not be afraid to do it. Just do it. Do away with the presidency or give me a limitation that by the end of this year, you are considered out,” Duterte said.

“I am addressing myself to Congress. Let us amend the Constitution. Shorten or restrict the powers of everybody, including the presidency but make a Constitution that would mandate more accountability and responsibility of officials,” he added.

“If you can craft a law wherein I would also put my own inputs there and it would guarantee everybody or stop corruption, do not be afraid to amend the law.”

Duterte, who has been pushing Cha-cha to pave way for federalism, said he had no intention of becoming a dictator.

“Either you can do away with my presidency, but if you succeed, I said, in crafting a law, which would ensure stopping corruption in this country, I will be willing. Do not be afraid of a dictatorship. I am not aiming for it. I do not ask it and I do not like it,” he added.

In an earlier speech on Tuesday at the Volunteers against Crime and Corruption (VACC) Anti-Corruption Summit, Duterte said he would be willing to resign once the Congress crafted an “inclusive” Constitution that could uplift the lives of the Filipinos.

“Ako, I will make a deal, if Congress and the entire Filipino people, we craft a new Constitution. Marami kaming — pati ako sasali (we have many – even I will join), I will place my input there,” he said.

“And if it is done this year, I will resign by the end of the year. The end of the year is the end of my political career,” he added. /cbb