I don’t know what made Mar Roxas suggest that President Aquino should run for a second term. Roxas is aware of the Constitutional provision limiting the term of elected public officials.
The provision is very clear. Presidents get only one term of six years without re-election. What made Roxas suggest otherwise?
Many surmise that Roxas is unsure of his own victory as a presidential bet in 2016. He wants to continue to stay in power as Secretary of the Interior and Logal Government, something he can only do if P-Noy continues as president. His suggestion could only come true by amending the Constitution.
Aquino expressed in a recent TV interview that he is now open to the idea, and that he is getting the unwavering support of allies in the legislature.
But there are legal luminaries who oppose amending the Constitution just to satisfy the personal interests of the president. Amendments should be made only because there is a need for them.
I propose that if we amend the Constitution, we should change the system of government from the present highly centralized presidential system to a federal system and parliamentary system of government.
I also propose having a provision that would strike out any pork barrel in the government because of our sad experience of having these funds looted by unscrupulous government officials and private parties.
While the move to allow the president to seek another term may be valid, I believe we should not violate the supreme law of the land. I humbly seek that we first amend the Constitution to meet the challenges of our time. The clamor must come from the people and not from politicians. We have learned our lesson: Many times, what politicians want doesn’t reflect sentiments of the majority. I hope the day will come when our politicians speak and act for the people.
As for me, I am open to amending the Constitution, as long as it is to change the system to a federal and parliamentary system of government. This way, local government units will be given more powers to govern instead of relying on just one person to lead the country. This would truly bring the government closer to the people. But the sad reality is that politicians always get their way. This is because many of our people are not empowered to do the things we are supposed to do, so the politicians get their way in the end. Always.
* * *
I don’t understand former Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
He has so much negativity and vindictiveness in him, especially in dealing with affairs of the city government as he continues to criticize the administration of Mayor Mike Rama.
No wonder some of his allies are starting to see the light and no longer following him blindly.
They saw the valid reason behind the resolution that Councilor Gerry Carillo sponsored for the sale of SRP lots. Osmeña is now questioning his allies for passing the resolution without Councilor Margot Osmeña present.
* * *
I am excited about the prospect of having a third bridge to connect Mactan island to Cebu City. It would be good for the tourism and economy of Cebu.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy announced that soon, the third bridge would be launched under a public-private partnership.
I am hoping that red tape doesn’t delay construction.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
