ADVERTISEMENT
Con-com to review, revise proposed transitory rules as per Duterte’s instructions
By NICOLE-ANNE C. LAGRIMAS,GMA NewsThe 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.
"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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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."
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.