The shift to federalism will pave the way for the extension of President Rodrigo Duterte’s six-year term to three more years as this is part of the “transitory period,” Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Wednesday.
The president’s term will expire in 2022 but Pimentel explained that the extension depends on when they will approve the new Constitution. If it’s going to be in 2019 then the next three years will be the transitory period.
Pimentel said this is possible if Duterte wills it and if the public allows it.
“We can extend the President’s term 1. if really necessary, and 2. if he is amenable to it, and 3. since that extension will be part of the new Constitution, the new Constitution is approved by the people themselves,” he said.
Addressing the issue regarding the absence of election in 2019 that Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said could happen, Pimentel said it is unlikely as shifting to federalism is possible without altering all scheduled elections under the existing Constitution.
“What is important are the transitory provisions which will govern the terms and duties of those elected in the last election under the 1987 Constitution,” Pimentel added.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 01/ 03 / 18)