“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” -- Isaac Asimov
One of those watching closely the moves to revise the 1987 Constitution once said the thing to watch out for first is the transition plan: who leads and what are the powers of those who lead during the period of shifting to the new system of government.
Isn’t that putting cart and horse in the wrong places? By examining the transition plan, contained in the “transitory provisions,” one can see motive, which in turn can expose lack of merit in the proposed change.
The shift to federalism -- the suspicion continues to nag us -- might just be a ploy to extend and consolidate power.
Unwanted, distrusted
President Duterte must have known the widespread skepticism, as reflected in surveys that show two-thirds of the people don’t want charter change and reject federalism. His widely publicized insistence to include an election and reelection ban on himself was addressed to unbelievers.
The administration seems to be selling a product that is unwanted and distrusted. It must first convince the nation that its intention is pure. Before the people would think seriously about buying it.
Future benefit
And essential to showing nobility of purpose is absence of any personal and party benefit that will be derived from the new system of government. Check out the boxes:
No-elections? “No-el” will extend the term of 12 senators and all other elective officials without submitting to an election.
New appointees? That will enable the powers-that-be to fill government posts with friends, relatives or party-mates. Not to mention the near chaos from wholesale appointments: remember the post-Edsa revolution OICs and temps.
Right to run under new government? The sitting president and vice president must be banned from running for reelection. Their term under the existing Constitution must end on track: on June 30, 2022.
Who will lead the transition? Not the incumbent president and vice president. And those elected as transition leaders must be barred from running for, or being appointed to, positions in the new government.
The transition team of 10 (plus three -- transition president, House speaker and Senate president as ex-officio members): what will be the curbs on its power ascertain that it won’t appropriate the government for itself?
Duration of the transition: is it specific and definite? What are the safeguards against possible abuse of power, including extension of the interim period.
Long vigil ahead
Here’s the freaking thing: nothing is sure until the constituent assembly approves the constitution that will be voted on in a plebiscite. And, remember, the supermajority controls Congress. It can do whatever it wants, as one House leader reportedly boasted.
It’s a long vigil ahead for a nation concerned about where the country is going and how.