Shift to federalism should not ‘deprive’ Filipinos right to vote—Comelec

FILE: Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that House Speaker Pantaleon seems just to describe the possible outcome of the country’s shift to federalism.
(Photo from Comelec’s official Twitter account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said the Philippines can shift to a federal parliamentary form of government without “depriving” Filipinos of their right to vote.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez seems just to describe the possible outcome of the country’s shift to federalism.

“The Commission on Elections remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of conducting free and fair elections in accordance with the provisions of the 1987 Constitution,” Jimenez said in a statement.

“It would appear that the Speaker of the House was merely describing one of several possible outcomes that would arise from a successful shift to a federal form of government,” he said.

Comelec’s statements came after Alvarez said in a televised interview that the 2019 midterm elections could be canceled in case the Philippines shifts to a federal form of government.

“Let’s be practical. ‘Pag nag-shift ka [If you shift] into a different form of government—unitary to a federal you need a transition government. Hindi puwede basta inapurabahan mo ng Mayo, implement mo kaagad ‘yan [It’s not that if you approved it on May, you’ll implement it right away],” Alvarez said on ANC’s “Headstart.”

“The Comelec, however, remains confident that such shift—should it happen—can be accomplished without depriving the sovereign Filipino people of their constitutionally guaranteed right to select their own leaders through free and fair elections,” Jimenez said.

Comelec then urged the public to participate in the national conversation on constitutional amendment, particularly on federalism, “so that should the time come to choose, the votes we cast shall be fully informed and well-considered.

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Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the 2019 midterm elections will push through unless the 1987 Constitution is amended.

The federalism shift has been part of the campaign platform of President Rodrigo Duterte when he ran for president and a top House priority since Alvarez was elected speaker.