Drilon chides solons on term extension talks, says it’s an ‘indecent proposal’

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday called it an “indecent proposal” for congressmen to float the idea of extending their terms during the transition to a federal form of government.

In a television interview, Drilon said a term extension will only benefit the same people who are proposing such idea.

“At this point, the President is very clear that he does not want any extension of term. It is the congressmen, the Speaker, who want an extension of the term. To me, I will repeat, this is an indecent proposal, because you’re voting on something that will favor you,” Drilon said on CNN Philippines.

Some lawmakers earlier said they prefer having no elections in 2019, and that terms of incumbent officials should be extended during the transitory period to a federal form of government.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, has criticized the idea of extending the terms of incumbent lawmakers.

“Gigil na gigil. Parang nanliligaw pa lang, gusto na agad maka iskor para makaisa,” Lacson said in a text message.

The House leadership earlier said convening Congress into a constituent assembly (ConAss) is the top priority of the lower chamber this year.

Malacañang has repeatedly said that President Rodrigo Duterte does not want to extend his term beyond 2022.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday that Duterte himself also reiterated before his Cabinet members that he wants the 2019 midterm elections to push through as scheduled.

But for Drilon, suspending the 2019 polls is the real motive behind the push for federalism.

“I don’t think it is acceptable to the public. But I think this is real reason behind the drive for a federal system: suspend the election and we go on federalism. I don’t think we can afford that,” Drilon said. — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/RSJ, GMA News