Concom proposes reelection for Duterte under federal setup

MANILA, Philippines — The consultative committee (Concom) has proposed to prohibit a term extension of President Duterte but wants to allow him to seek reelection under a federal government.  

Former senator and Concom member Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said they are now identifying the concerns that need to be threshed out in the transitory provisions, including the term extension of the President. 

Pimentel also explained the prohibition of term extension aims to allay fears over possible extension of the Duterte administration as claimed by critics. 

Pimentel clarified Duterte can seek reelection only if the new constitution will allow it.

In the proposed provision for the executive branch, “both the president and vice president shall be eligible for reelection to one term.” 

Pimentel added there are proposals to give state employees who will be affected by the transition the option either to accept new assignments in new federated regions or opt for early retirement.

The Concom is also discussing on how and when powers will be given to officials in the federated regions, including taxation issues in each region that will be created. 

Pimentel said they are proposing the creation of 18 federated regions, giving Negros Island a separate region. 

The Concom is set to discuss today the transitory provisions that will serve as the basis for the transition to the new constitution under the federated government.