Sen Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (left), Sen. Franklin Drilon and Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS
Liberal Party (LP) senators on Wednesday warned that the postponement of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set on May 14 would pave the way for a no-election scenario in 2019.
On Monday, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms voted 14-2 to postpone the Barangay and SK elections to Oct. 8.
READ: With only 2 weeks left, House panel OKs barangay poll postponement to Oct.
“There is no initiative in the Senate and no reason to postpone the Barangay and SK elections again,” Senator Bam Aquino said.
“Hayaan natin na ang taumbayan ang bumoto ng pinunong lalaban para sa kanila at sisiguraduhin na ligtas at may ginhawa ang kanilang pamilya,” he added.
(Let us allow the people to vote for leaders who will fight for them and ensure that their families are safe and flourishing.)
For his part, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the lower Chamber’s move was an indication of “railroading” moves to amend the 1987 Constitution to pave the way for a shift in a federal form of government.
“Indikasyon lang ito na plano nilang madaliin ang pagbabago sa Saligang Batas para maisabay ang plebisito sa Oktubre,” said Pangilinan, adding that moves to amend the Charter should not be hurried.
(This is an indication that they are planning to change the Constitution for it to be in simultaneous with the plebiscite in October.)
“Napakahalaga ng ating Saligang Batas para madaliin ang pag-amyenda nito. Kailangan munang konsultahin ang lahat ng sector bago ito gawin upang matiyak na walang maiiwan,” he added.
(Our Constitution is very important for its amendment to be hastily done. Consultation with different sector is needed before this is done to make sure nothing is left behind.)
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, is visiting different parts of the country to consult different sectors on plans to amend the Charter.
Senator Franklin Drilon, meanwhile, said the House’s move proved his earlier revelation about a plot by administration allies in the lower House to railroad the amendment of the 1987 Constitution so they could cancel the 2019 elections and extend their terms.
Drilon has earlier warned of plans to postpone the village elections to October to coincide with the plebiscite on a new Constitution.
“Ang pagkilos na ito ng Kamara ay patunay lang ng aking unang binanggit na talagang may plano silang ipagpaliban ang eleksyon sa 2019 para mapalawig ang kanilang termino,” said Drilon.
(This action by the House proves my earlier statement that they have a plan to set aside the elections for 2019 to extend their term.) /jpv
READ: Drilon slams ‘plot’ to postpone village polls