Duterte, ‘first casualty’ on ban on political dynasties

The ban on political dynasties is among the proposed regulations that garnered approval from the Consultative Committee and the “first casualty” of this, is President Rodrigo Duterte, Former Chief Justice and ConCom Chairman Reynato Puno said.

“The first casualty (in the regulation of political dynasties), if I may use that word, is no less President Duterte himself and his family,” he said during a lawyer’s forum entitled “Revisiting the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines”.

This is because “under the (regulated) ban, the President cannot be succeeded in office by any member of his family within his second consanguinity or affinity.”

Puno stressed the need to dismiss “unfounded thoughts” that the country’s move to amend the 1987 Constitution is a “mere sophisticated ploy to prolong the term of the incumbent President.”

Moreover, Puno also said Duterte’s six-year term will not be extended during the country’s shift to a federal form of government and the same goes for Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

“There will be no term extension for a president and the vice president.

It is specifically provided that the term of the president and vice president, which shall end on June 30, 2022, shall not be extended,” said Puno.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 06/ 21 /18)