RPPe House leaders thumb down proposal to “extend” congressmen’s term

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe on Wednesday doused cold water on a proposal to amend the Constitution to “extend” the term of office of congressmen from three years to five years with a limit of two consecutive terms.

The proposal is contained in Resolution of Both Houses No. 8, filed last Monday by Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Barba.

Dalipe said the House, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, had pushed for amending the Constitution’s “restrictive” economic provisions to encourage more foreign investments.

“We are sticking with that advocacy, because that is what we think will be good for the country and that is what we believe the people will accept,” he said.

Dalipe said proposed economic constitutional changes are by and large supported by the business community and the public.

He cited a recent survey by big data research firm Tangere showing six in 10 Filipinos support the proposed economic reforms, believing these would result in more job and income opportunities and faster economic growth.

“While there is broad acceptance for these reform proposals, a proposed constitutional amendment that is political in nature, on the other hand, will surely divide our people. They will suspect self interest as the motivation behind such proposal,” he said.

Dalipe said the House-espoused economic Charter amendments had already been sent to the Senate early this year for the smaller chamber’s own consideration.

He was referring to Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, authored principally by Speaker Romualdez. The House approved it on third and final reading in March and transmitted it promptly to the Senate.

“So those are the proposals of the House. Procedurally, I am not sure if we can entertain another constitutional amendment resolution, although I believe the House is inclined to confine itself to economic Charter reforms,” Dalipe said. (END)