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Con-com to review, revise proposed transitory rules as per Duterte’s instructions
The Consultative Committee (Con-com) tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to propose a federal Constitution will "review and revise" its provisions on the country's transition to federalism "in accordance with" his "instructions."
On Monday afternoon, the 22-member body formally submitted its work to Duterte and bared the official copy of the proposed draft following concerns over its supposed lack of transparency.
PRRD’s Consultative Committee finally releases official copy of its proposed federal Constitution, as the panel submits its work to the president. Some of the first few pages: @gmanews pic.twitter.com/U2lTHvGdTY
— Nicole-Anne Lagrimas (@nclagrimas) July 9, 2018
"Today, the Con-com also announces that it shall review and revise the Transitory Provisions in accordance with the President's instructions," panel spokesman Ding Generoso said at a press statement after the handover ceremony in Malacañang.
Generoso admitted he does not yet know exactly what Duterte's instructions were, but the President himself earlier said in a speech last Friday: "I urge Congress and kay Puno [Con-com chair, retired chief justice Reynato Puno] ngayon to make the final changes. Make me president only next year 2019 and I will accept it if that will satisfy."
Article XXII of the Con-com's proposal for a charter that will usher in a transition from a unitary to a federal form of government provides for what has been called a "very powerful" Federal Transition Commission to be headed by Duterte.
This commission is envisioned to be a 10-member panel of experts in economy, law, fiscal management, governance, or development and to complete it mandate of formulating, adopting and executing a transition plan by June 30, 2022, end-of-term for Duterte.
Section 6 of this proposed provision states in no uncertain terms: "The term of the President and Vice President, which shall end on June 30, 2022, shall not be extended."
Here are the proposed transitory provisions. Section 6 says Pres and VP term “shall not be extended.” Note, though: these are subject to review and revision “in accordance with the President’s instructions,” according to panel spokesman Ding Generoso. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/TBhc7rNU8b
— Nicole-Anne Lagrimas (@nclagrimas) July 9, 2018
Talk of a possible shift to federalism is marked by critics' fears that Charter change would allow the pro-federalism president to extend his term as the country changes government systems.
