Extending terms of incumbent officials and canceling elections next year as part of the transition of the government’s shift to federalism are scenarios that do not sit right with Vice President Leni Robredo.
Reacting to various claims that these could happen, Robredo expressed disapproval, saying that it would be better to ratify a law that would extend the term of the newly elected officials rather those of seated in position.
“A lot of questions has been surfacing already on why there will be an extension of term. If we will benefit with this, it’s like self-serving: ‘We like to extend our term that’s why we will pass a proposal or a law to lengthen our contract with the Filipino, where is the justice there?” Robredo said in her weekly radio show BISErbisyong Leni.
“It should not be for self-interest because if it’s going to be us who will reap the benefits, our countrymen will always have doubts on why it is being pushed through. It’s like we only want to extend the power that has been given to us,” she added.
Furthermore, Robredo said she disagrees with the idea of canceling 2019 elections as it is the very foundation of a democratic country, adding that it would be very undemocratic to take away the Filipinos’ right to vote.
“I strongly oppose with this no-elections scenario because elections are the very crux of our democracy. This is the only time wherein the ordinary Filipinos can participate in the process of choosing the officials that they want to lead them,” Robredo said.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 01/ 08 / 18)