Tuesday, December 05, 2006 Maxey: Basta Pinoy By Ram Maxey Bar None
ADMINISTRATION congressmen aboard the Cha-cha train a-chuggin' on the track want to scrap the law limiting the term limits of representatives and senators. The Constitution limits the term of a representative to three years but not to exceed three terms, or a total of nine years. A senator's term is six years but not to exceed two terms, or a total of 12 years.
This new gimmick is contained in their version of the revised Constitution, which they intend to approve next week at the latest. In addition, they have opted to extend the present terms of members of both chambers by six months, or up to November 2007 by postponing next year's May elections to November.
They reasoned out that under a parliamentary system there is no such thing as term limits. But what they did not say is that under the no-limit policy they can, excuse me while I burp, stay in office forever. Neat. Who says congressmen are not bright? A few are.
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According to a news item Monday in a Manila-based newspaper, the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomes the European Union Council's offer to help "address" the unsolved killings of militants and journalists in the Philippines.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon said, "The assistance is very timely...the PNP and Task Force Usig are doing their best in handling this issue."
Yes, sir. Right on. The only fly in the ointment is that their best has not been good enough.
Frankly, I can't imagine how the European Union Council will go about snooping around with their magnifying glasses looking for clues that will lead to the solution of the killings.
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Doctors said First Gentleman Mike Arroyo's minor surgery (angioplasty) to widen his clogged blood vessel was a success and that he can resume his normal activities.
Bad news for Representative Allan Peter Cayetano and the rest of Mike A's tormentors who may have had for a while visions of a world without Mike A.
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On the home front, the latest tsismis on local politics has it that Davao City Vice Mayor Louie Bonguyan whose three terms are up (he can't run for reelection in 2007), has registered as a voter in the third district.
When asked by an inquisitive newsman if that means he is running for representative in the third district, the amiable, always smiling Louie replied: "I'm neither confirming nor denying it."
