MANILA, Philippines — A term extension for President Rodrigo Duterte is "out of the question," Malacañang said on Thursday, after his allies in Congress floated the possibility of prolonging his stay in office once they approve a change in the form of government.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte has expressed his intention to resign once a federal government is in place.
"He (Duterte) has said it before, if we can amend the constitution and provide for provisions that will minimize graft and corruption, he will even resign prior to the end of his term of office in 2022. So the president is considering shortening his term but has definitely rejected even the idea of prolonging his term," Roque said in a press briefing in Davao City
"The idea of prolonging his term is out of the question," he added.
Roque stressed that the 2019 midterm elections would push through unless the constitution is amended.
"The president is the chief implementor of the constitution and the laws of the land. Unless and until the constitution is amended and ratified by the people, elections will push through in 2019 and what the president promises is if elections push through, we will have a credible and honest elections," the presidential spokesman said.
On Wednesday, Duterte's allies in Congress said Duterte's term may be extended if the Philippine government is transformed into a federal one.
Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said Duterte's term may be extended if the new constitution provides for it.
House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said a "no election" scenario in 2019 is possible because of the need to transition towards a new form of government.
Such scenario would extend the terms of lawmakers up for reelection.