Koko Pimentel: Duterte’s Term Can Be Extended According To The New Constitution.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said President Rodrigo Duterte’s current term may be extended under a new Constitution if the situation demands it.

GMA News quoted him as saying:

“We can extend the President’s term. One, if really necessary,  and two, if he is amenable to it, and three, since that extension will be part of the new Constitution, the new Constitution is approved by the people themselves."

“Depends too on when we approve the new Constitution. If 2019, then the next three years will be the transitory period,” he added.

Pimentel, the president of the ruling PDP-Laban, brushed aside no-el scenario, said elections can still proceed in 2019, saying the same can be held under the new Constitution’s transitory provisions.

“We can shift to federalism and allow all scheduled elections under the existing Constitution to go on and be held. What is important are the transitory provisions which will govern the terms and duties of those elected in the last election under the 1987 Constitution.”

However, on his part, Malacañanang Palace said Duterte himself does not want to extend his time in office.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said:

“I can categorically state that the President does not want that. He wants to cut short his term rather than lengthen it.”

We all know, Duterte is in favored of federalism as his preferred system of government in the country. In this, he said, it will result in faster development and better distribution of wealth in the provinces.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said Congress may convene this month to discuss proposals for the shift to federalism.

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Source: Kicker Daily