Final ConCom draft bars Duterte from running in 2022

Final ConCom draft bars Duterte from running in 2022

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will be prohibited from seeking reelection in 2022, according to the "final, official" copy of the Consultative Committee's (ConCom) proposed federal constitution.

Section 2, Article 22 of the draft federal charter provides: "The incumbent President is prohibited from running as President in the 2022 elections under the Constitution."

The particular transitory provision was included after Duterte earlier requested the ConCom to strip him of any role in the transition committee.

The initial draft submitted to Duterte by the commission on July 9 delegates him as chairman of the Federal Transition Commission, which will carry its mandate until June 30, 2022.

The federal transition commission, based on the previous draft chart, is formed to "formulate and adopt a transition plan for the orderly shift to the new system of government, as provided for the Constitution."

In the latest copy of the proposed charter, Duterte will instead call for an election for the transition president and vice president within six months from ratification of the new constitution.

The transition president, who will assume the post until June 30, 2022, will preside over the orderly transition to the federal system of government.

The final draft constitution also provides that the transition president, vice president and members of the transition commission will be ineligible to run for any public office in the May 22 elections.

The transition commission will have "the power to establish its office, appoint and hire its own officials and employees, as may be necessary."

Critics earlier raised worries that the proposed federal constitution would allow Duterte to stay in power beyond his six-year term that expires in 2022.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the ConCom's latest work was a proof that the President has no plans of extending his rule.

"We thank the Consultative Committee for accommodating the President's request to provide for an elected transition president," the Palace official said.

"This should finally allay all fears that [Duterte] has other motives for wanting to shift to a federal form of government," he added. (SunStar Philippines)

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