No to another Duterte term under new draft Charter – Koko

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III thumbed down on Friday the proposal of the Consultative Committee (Con-Com) to allow President Rodrigo Duterte to seek another term should a federal government system be finalized.

“[I] disagree as to allowing President Duterte to run again. That changes the present rules,” Pimentel told reporters in a viber message when sought for comment on the Con-com’s proposal.

Under its draft federal Constitution, Concom said the President and the Vice President may seek reelection, although Malacañang earlier said Duterte has no plans to stay in office “a second longer.”

READ: Duterte won’t stay ‘a second longer’ as President after 2022

While he opposed another term for the President, Pimentel said Robredo can run for an executive position again, noting that under the previaling 1987 Constitution, she is allowed to seek another term anyway.

“That’s ok (Robredo seeking another term) because under the present rules, she can really run again,” he said.

The former Senate President also disclosed he agrees to Con-Com’s proposal to have two senators elected from each of the proposed 18 federal regions, which could also impose their own taxes.

Con-Com was tasked by President Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution and devise a new Charter. The panel aims to present their approved draft federal Charter to Mr. Duterte on July 9, in time for Duterte’s upcoming State of the Nation Address on July 23. /kga

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