Mandatory resignation of officials seeking presidency in 2010 sought

President Arroyo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal proposed yesterday the revival of a law that would compel incumbent elected officials to resign from their current post if they run for president in next year’s elections.

Macalintal, an election lawyer, said the “spectacle” of too many senators running for president could be prevented through the revival of Section 67 of the Omnibus Election Code, which provides for the automatic resignation of incumbent elected officials if they run for positions other than what they currently hold.

“Too many want to run for president in 2010 poll because many of them, especially incumbent senators, have nothing to lose but everything to gain, so to speak,” he lamented.

Macalintal said senators elected in 2007, whose terms would expire in 2013, seem to be enjoying the luxury of seeking the presidency since they could still return to their Senate posts if they lose in the 2010 polls.

The rule on mandatory resignation of presidential candidates that are holding elective posts was repealed in July 2002 through a mere “rider” to RA 9006, the law which allows political advertisements in the media.

“Thus we saw the spectacle of mayors, senators and others running for president and vice president and when they lost they got back their previous posts.

“But would our lawmakers revive that law when they are the ones to be affected?” Macalintal said.

Among the incumbent senators who are reportedly seeking either presidential or vice presidential post are Senators Manny Villar, Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero and Mar Roxas.