Binay wants to lift term limitations, make it ‘one to sawa’

Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay at Silay Market, Bacolod (Photo from Binay’s official Facebook page)

MANILA – During his three-day visit at Bacolod City, Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay stated how he wanted elected officials’ term limitations lifted.

“Itong term na ito ‘di talaga ako naniniwala d’yan. Kailangan one to sawa ‘yan, hangga’t gusto ng tao. Kaya kung meron amendments sa Constitution, ipapaalis ko yung term limitation. Hangga’t maaari, iboto nang iboto,” Binay said.

(I’m not in favor of this term [limitation]. It has to be continuous as long as the people want. So if there should be any amendments in the [Philippine] Constitution, I want the term limitation lifted. As much as possible, [an elective official should] be repeatedly voted.)

According to the Constitution, a Vice President is barred from serving more than two consecutive terms. The President, on the other hand, cannot seek reelection after one term.

Although most officials in Bacolod have endorsed Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as their presidential candidate, Binay stated that he still felt ‘warm’ acceptance while going around the province.

Still confident of winning

With the presidential elections nearing, Binay claimed that he was unperturbed by his possible contenders Roxas and Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, among others, as he remained confident of winning.

Binay believed that the Filipinos would opt to vote for a President who was capable and has experience. He held that voters would look for qualifications rather than popularity.

The Vice President then compared the presidency to a teacher who would want to become a supervisor or principal someday. He asserted that a teacher should first have sufficient experience before seeking a higher position.

For his part, Binay believed that he has already proven his proficiency as the Makati City mayor for several years.

Although Binay did not make any additional statements or indicate any name, it can be noted that Poe only has had one term as senator.

Aquino already knows whom to endorse

During a press conference later on, Binay disclosed that he believed President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has already chosen a preferred successor to endorse in the coming national elections. The Vice President assumed a Roxas-Poe tandem.

“I believe there are results already… They (Aquino and the ruling Liberal Party) are just dribbling public opinion so that their decision can become acceptable,” he said.

Nevertheless, Binay would not back out from the presidential race.