Robin to push for Cha-cha anew, seeks reelection for presidents

Sen. Robin Padilla said he is proposing constitutional amendments to allow the reelection of the country's presidents and to extend to four years the terms of local officials.

With the committee report on his proposed changes to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution yet to reach the plenary, Padilla said he would this time push for political amendments.

“Meron kaming panukala na hindi ko alam kung filed na, tungkol sa pagpapalawak ng termino, na magkakaroon ng reelection ang presidente, magkakaroon ng four-year term ang mga local official…Kung ayaw nila economic provision, political naman,” Padilla told reporters.

(We have a proposed measure, I don't know if it has already been filed, on extending terms in which the President will be allowed to seek reelection, and local officials will have four-year terms... If they do not want changes to the economic provisions, let's try the political.)

“Kasi para sa akin kung meron silang naiiisip na ibang paraan para sa economic development ng Pilipinas at di kailangan ng amendment sa Constitution, eh di sige, okay… Pero pagdating sa political kailangan nilang ipaliwanag sa akin uli. Anong dahilan?” he added.

(As I see it, they saw a way for the country's economic development without  amending the Constitution. That's okay... But when it comes to the political, they may have to again explain it to me why.)

Padilla said there was a need for “continuity” of the projects and programs of the presidents.

Earlier this year, Padilla conducted several hearings on the measures seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic provision.

However, his committee report only got signatures from four senators who are members of the PDP-Laban—himself, and Senators Bong Go, Francis Tolentino, and Ronald dela Rosa. —NB, GMA Integrated News