Coloma: Term limits set to prevent abuse of power

Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma (Photo: Presidential Communications Operation Office)

MANILA — Term limits imposed on elected officials was instituted to prevent abuse of power, Vice President Jejomar Binay was told.

Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the term limits were enacted following the proliferation of human rights abuses during the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Marcos ran for reelection and stayed in power for 20 years by declaring martial law.

“Pinaka-mahalaga ‘yung nag-iisang termino ng Pangulo at kailangan marinig ang tinig ng mga Boss (Filipino people) hinggil dito,” he said in a text message to media.

(The term limit on the President is the most important and we need to hear the opinion of the Filipino people.

)

Binay earlier said that he will seek for the lifting of the term limits as he believe that officials should be elected as long as the people vote for them.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte also said that the President has earlier raised concerns against lifting the term limit.

“He has expressed this many times as lifting terms limits opens the door to dictators who can abuse the resources of the State to stay in power, which was precisely the concern of the framers of the 1987 Constitution,” she said.

“Doing away with term limits may also make it easier for families with dynastic inclinations to perpetuate themselves in office,” Valte added.