Hontiveros says gov’t ‘testing the waters’ on term extension, Marcos wealth deal

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday said the public should not be deceived by statements coming from executive and legislative officials on the supposed “twisted political projects” of the Duterte administration—term extensions through federalism, and entering into a compromise agreement with the Marcos family.

Hontiveros, a member of the Senate minority bloc, questioned the “sudden talks” on a no-election scenario in 2019, term extension, and a proposal to enter into a compromise deal on the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses.

She said the Duterte government is trying to measure the public perception by “conditioning the public’s mind.”

“It comes as no surprise that the public is being bombarded with all these political prospects and scenarios coming from the key leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of the government,” Hontiveros said.

“After all, these twin political projects will determine the fate of the Duterte government. The Marcos compromise deal will fortify its political alliance and federalism will extend the term limits of power-hungry public officials. The public must not be hoodwinked,” she said.

It was House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who floated the scenario of a no-election scenario, while Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said it was possible that Duterte’s term will be extended during the transition period to a federal form of government.

Meanwhile, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has distanced his family from the draft compromise deal submitted by loyalist Oliver Lozano to Malacañang.

Fake news

Hontiveros further said the Duterte government is trying to push its “twisted political projects” with the help of fake news.

“It is a classic feature of an authoritarian regime. The government is keen on controlling public opinion knowing that it is ultimately the basis of its power and legitimacy,” she said.

Hontiveros recalled the President’s supposed failed attempt to mount support for a “revolutionary government.”

In November last year, Duterte himself said he will declare a revolutionary government if the country falls into chaos due to destabilization attempts, only to dismiss his own idea days later.  

“Fortunately, the proposal was shelved in the meantime because it failed to shore up support from the public and sway the military,” Hontiveros said.

“If anything, this regime bows to strong public opinion and pressure. Let our voices be heard. Let us show our strength in the streets. The fear of public opinion by authoritarian leaders points to the potential of our voices as a force of good. We must not be intimidated and silenced,” the senator said. —KG, GMA News