Senators believe congressmen want term extension, not Duterte

In line with the government’s shift to federalism, the ones manifesting desperation in clinging to power is not President Rodrigo Duterte but the legislators, senators said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday that Duterte’s previous statements in which he said he wants to step down due to the overwhelming responsibilities of a president should be proof that he does not intend to stay beyond 2022.

“I can really see he is no longer happy… He even said that in his everyday ride to the ferry that will bring him from Bahay Pag-asa to the Palace, if only he can jump, he would do so, so that he wouldn’t have to arrive in the office,” Lacson said.

“The problem is, some congressman seems to be very desperate for a no-election and a holdover that they will serve beyond their term under the transitory provision,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also said that those who want their terms extended are House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other members of the Congress.

“At this point, the president is very clear that he does not want any extension of term. It is the congressmen, the speaker, who want an extension of the term. To me, I will repeat, this is an indecent proposal because you’re voting on something that will favor you,” Drilon said.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 01/ 11 / 18)