Angara supports reviewing term limits for local officials

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 14) — Senator Sonny Angara said he is open to reviewing the three-year term limit for local officials as the House of Representatives eyes reviving charter change talks next year.

“For the economic provisions, we have an open mind on that even for let’s say if we want to extend the term of congressmen or local officials, I’m also open to that,” he told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Thursday.

Angara explained the three-year term limit for local officials may not be enough for them to implement their programs, noting that four to five years may be ideal.

The senator added the public still needs to be consulted regarding this.

Asked about possibly extending the term of a president, Angara said: “I have to think about that one… A second election will be somewhat of a very unfair in terms of power and resources… It’s an interesting question and that’s really worth debating.”

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said the lower chamber can focus on charter change next year after it has passed most of the administration’s priority bills.

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel on Wednesday said members of the House would need to do “a lot of convincing” of senators if they will be pushing for charter change.

Senator Robinhood Padilla, who chairs the committee on constitutional amendments, filed Resolution of Both Houses no. 5 that proposes changes to the 1987 Constitution, specifically in the terms of elected officials. It includes having 54 senators, having joint candidates for president and vice president, and extending terms of several government posts, to name a few.

READ: Padilla: Cha-cha pushed by House 'no chance' in Senate