Kiko slams DILG’s fora on term extention
Senator Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan has criticized the nationwide fora being conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution particularly on the issue of term extension for local and national elective officials.
Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate committee on Constitutional Amendments said that as early as 2016 up to the present, DILG officials continue to push for charter change, despite survey results showing that less than five percent of Filipinos want the constitution amended.
He said that instead of wasting time on the issues of term extension and possible no election scenario, the government should focus on providing jobs and livelihood to the people.
Pangilinan together with Senator Franklin Drilon and ex-Sen. Bam Aquino were in Naga City to attend the wake of Mrs. Salvacion “Sally” Gerona, the mother of Vice President Leni G. Robredo, at the Eternal Garden Memorial Park in Balatas, Naga City.
Last week, the DILG conducted a forum on charter change in the Villa Caceres Hotel. The gathering was attended by town mayors and members of the municipal councils in Camarines Sur.
DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya, the forum’s guest speaker discussed the term extension of local and national officials under the proposed constitutional amendments being pushed by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Malaya said the proposed extension of the terms of elective officials may range from four to five years each term with only one re-election.
Pangilinan said that despite the DILG’s efforts, members of the Senate have not yet discussed the issue of charter change.