PRESIDENTIAL Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo Gadon yesterday urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to include political amendments in tackling proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution even if lawmakers believe that it is the primary reason why all Charter change (Cha-cha) attempts had failed in the past.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Gadon explicitly proposed extending the terms of all local officials – congressmen, governors, vice governors, provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors, and councilors – from the current three years to six years.
“As discussions on amending the economic provisions of the Constitution unfold, it presents a significant opportunity to consider including changes to the political provisions as well. Certain political provisions have proven to be costly and redundant, and amending them could lead to improved governance and greater benefits for the people,” Gadon said in his letter.
House leaders have already repeatedly assured the public that the lower chamber is only proposing amendments to the “restrictive” economic provisions of the Constitution, admitting that recommending political amendments would automatically kill the initiative since the public and the Senate are opposed to it.
Before it went on a break last March 20, the House approved on third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH No. 7), which seeks to revise three economic provisions of the Constitution.
The measure’s counterpart version at the Senate, which is proposed Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, is still pending in the subcommittee of Committee on Constitutional Amendments.
RBH No. 6 and RBH No. 7 are both entitled, “A Resolution of Both Houses of Congress proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, particularly on Articles XII, XIV and XVI.”
Romualdez has been appealing to the Senate to pass its version soon so that the measure can be sent to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which will schedule a plebiscite.
Gadon said that to dispel perceptions of extending incumbent officials’ terms, the term limits of the President, Vice President and senators should be retained with no reelection and keeping the existing provisions on succession.
The presidential adviser, who was disbarred by the Supreme Court last year for repeatedly cursing and uttering profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles, said he was proposing the amendment because the current triennial elections “incur substantial costs, draining billions in public funds and imposing financial burdens on candidates.”
He said that for local executives, the initial year in office involves familiarizing themselves with office functions and departments, with subsequent years dedicated to project planning, budgeting, and campaigning so “synchronizing local and national elections, except for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, would enhance governance continuity.”
Gadon proposed that the extended term “should take effect in the 2028 national elections, ensuring that local officials who have served the present three consecutive terms cannot run in 2028 but may do so in subsequent national elections.”
He also asked Congress to increase the number of senators from 24 to 48 “to enhance efficiency.” “With fewer committee assignments, each senator can actively participate in discussions, promoting better governance practices,” he said.
The disbarred lawyer also urged Congress to “introduce a more feasible process of ‘recall election’ to hold non-performing, incompetent, and corrupt local officials accountable.”
Gadon also asked lawmakers to consider transitioning from the present presidential to a parliamentary form of government, with the Prime Minister position shared by the Senate President and Speaker and Cabinet ministers appointed by the Prime Minister, who shall be responsible for the daily government affairs “subject to removal by a vote of no confidence.”
He said the new Constitution should designate the President as head of state, commander in chief of the Armed Forces, and head of foreign relations, who also has the power to appoint members of the judiciary and constitutional commissions and recommend the removal of Cabinet ministers.
Gadon said the President and Vice President should be elected as a single team, with the Vice President assisting the President.
On the economic provisions, he urged Congress to “explore reverting ownership, management, and control of public utilities like power and water, with a transition plan compensating private companies fairly.”
He said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) should be repealed, “allowing the government to own and operate energy plants.”
“Charter Change is a rare opportunity that demands meaningful changes benefiting our nation and future generations. Let us seize this moment to enact comprehensive reforms. Additional amendments to political and economic provisions may be proposed by both chambers. The above suggestions are offered for your consideration. Thank you, and may both chambers continue to serve with integrity and dedication,” Gadon said.
Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III said Gadon should just mind his work instead of proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution.
“It would be better to ask Sec. Gadon what poverty alleviation measures he has in mind and just request him to keep his mind off constitutional amendments,” Pimentel said in a Viber message to the media.
Sen. Cynthia Villar said she has always been against Cha-cha.
“Alam niyo naman ako, hindi ako in favor of Cha-cha kasi okay naman tayo para huwag na tayo nag-aaway (You know it that I have always been not in favor of Cha-cha because we are doing good. Let us not just quarrel about it),” she said. — With Raymond Africa
