No term extension for Duterte under PDP-Laban’s draft federal charter, exec says

The ruling PDP-Laban isn't seeking to extend President Rodrigo Duterte's term through the proposed constitutional amendments aimed at establishing a federal system of government, a party official indicated on Thursday.

PDP-Laban vice president for international affairs Raul Lambino added that the party isn't looking to cut Vice President Leni Robredo's six-year term even with the proposed abolition of her office.

"Itong aming panukala ay hindi dapat makinabang ang Pangulong Duterte at sinabi naman niya na kapag ito ay napatupad, gusto pa nga niyang putulin ang kanyang paninilbihan," Lambino said in an interview with Kara David on News To Go.

He said the party proposal of the president having a five-year term and one chance at re-election will only apply to the next president.

Lambino said the Office of the Vice President will be dissolved under PDP-Laban's draft federal charter but Robredo would be allowed to finish her term in 2022.

"Mananatili pa rin siyang Vice President hanggang matapos ang kanyang termino hanggang 2022 kasabay ni Pangulong Duterte," Lambino said.

Lambino said the parliament would elect a Prime Minister, who will will manage the day-to-day affairs of the executive branch.

The President, on the other hand, will function as head of state and commander-in-chief.

In the absence of the President, the Prime Minister will temporarily assume the position.

Limiting the powers of the Senate

Lambino said that under PDP-LABAN's draft federal constitution, the Senate will no longer craft laws.

It will only review those that have been passed by the Federal Assembly, a chamber similar to the present House of Representatives.

Lambino said this system was patterned after other parliamentary governments in the world that have bicameral assemblies such as Malaysia, Japan, France and the United Kingdom.

Told of a MindaNews article that Duterte envisioned a unicameral legislature composed of only 50 lawmakers, Lambino said he was not familiar with the report.

Lambino said that under PDP-Laban's proposed model, the Senate would not be abolished at the national level.

He said the party was pushing for unicameral legislatures in the regional component states.

Lambino said this could be what Duterte meant. —NB, GMA News