‘That’s self-serving’: Jinggoy Estrada opposes proposed term extension for president, VP

Senator Jinggoy Estrada answers reporters’ questions at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, July 4, 2022. INQUIRER.net/Daniza Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines — Returning Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday opposed the proposed term extension for the country’s President and Vice President.

“Is that self-serving? That’s self-serving. I will not allow it,” he responded in an interview when asked if he is in favor of the proposal.

Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. recently filed a resolution aiming to amend the 1987 Constitution by pushing for a five-year term for the President and Vice President and allowing them to seek one reelection.

Asked further if his stance on the matter stays even if his candidate, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., won the last election, Estrada replied: “You can revisit the Constitution, or you can tinker with the Constitution as long as you don’t touch all the term limits of the national and local officials.”

He explained he is against the move because the “people will blame” them if they modify the term limits.

“Kami naman ang sisisihin ng taumbayan, ‘Kaya kayo nandiyan kasi gusto ninyo magpa-extend ng term,’ alam mo ‘yung mga ganu’n ba. So, I’m very meticulous about it,” he said.

(The people will blame us. They say, “You are there because you want to extend your term.” So, I’m very meticulous about it)

KGA/abc