PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, July 6, allayed critics' worry over his possible term extension under the proposed federal system, stressing that he is willing to give up his post as early as 2019.
In a speech delivered in Lanang, Davao City, Duterte urged Congress and the Consultative Committee (Con-Com) reviewing the 1987 Constitution to ensure that a new president will be elected during the transition from the current unitary to a federal type of government.
"The Constitutional Convention Committee of [former] Justice [Reynato] Puno can make this correction and I suggest, and I would like Congress to approve it. Make my term co-terminus, with the beginning of the draft constitution. Make me stop being President during the transition," he said.
"I would be willing to accept the proposal. Galing na sa akin iyan. So I've urged -- I urge Congress and 'yung kay Puno ngayon, committee, to make the final changes. Make me President only next year, 2019, and I will accept it," he added.
(I would be willing to accept the proposal. It already comes from me. So I've urged -- I urge Congress and the committee chaired by Puno now to make the final changes. Make me President only next year, 2019, and I will accept it.)
Duterte made the proposal after Julio Teehankee, chairman of the Con-Com's sub-committee on political reforms, had said there is no provision in the draft federal charter that prohibits the President from seeking re-election under the proposed federal state.
Under the proposed federal system, all elected officials will be given a four-year term, with one possible reelection.
Lawyer Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, had questioned the supposedly possible term extension for Duterte, if the country shifts to a federal government.
Monsod also cautioned that the shift to federalism may lead to "constitutional authoritarianism."
Following Teehankee's controversial remarks, he made a clarification, saying that Duterte cannot seek a new term under the proposed federal charter.
The 22-man Consultative Committee chaired by Puno unanimously approved the draft federal constitution on Tuesday, July 3.
The committee is scheduled to submit the draft to Duterte on July 9.
The President re-assured that he would not stay in power beyond his six-year term that will end in 2022.
"Sabi nila gusto kong ma-Presidente. Ito, itong mga opposition, mga g***. They are so engrossed na every time they look at the proposal sa Constitution, "Ah, Duterte will make it longer for him to stay in power," he said.
(They said, I enjoy becoming a president. The opposition are stupid. They are so engrossed that every time they look at the proposal sa Constitution, "Ah, Duterte will make it longer for him to stay in power.")
"Sabi niyo gusto akong [mag-extend ng term] beyond 2022? Of course not. Sorry to disappoint you. Excuse me, hindi ako ganon," the Chief Executive added.
(You said [I want to extend my term] beyond 2022? Of course not. Sorry to disappoint you. Excuse me, I'm, not like that.)
To "satisfy" his critics, Duterte even suggested that Vice President Leni Robredo could assume the highest position in the land during the shift to federalism.
The President also prodded the Con-Com and Congress to immediately insert a provision that would remove him from office, before the country adopts a federal set-up.
"Make the changes now. Make me resign or ask me to step down by a Constitutional fiat that there will be an election before we proceed with the adoption of the Constitution," Duterte said.
"If that will satisfy ladies, Robredo, gusto mo ikaw na, depende, you can have it. You can have it if you want to."
(If that will satisfy ladies, Robredo, you can take my place if you want to. It depends but you can have it. You can have it if you want to.) (SunStar Philippines)