Metro Manila, Philippines – Lawmakers should just work longer hours instead of seeking an extended term to be more productive, a political analyst said.
The suggestion follows a proposal by Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Barba under Resolution of Both Houses 8, which seeks to extend the term of House of Representatives members to achieve their legislative agenda.
Barba is the cousin of both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Constitution limits a lawmaker’s term to three years and eligible for two reelections – for a total of nine years. Barba is pushing to amend the charter and extend the term to five years with one reelection – or a total of 10 years.
“By extending the term of office of members of the House of Representatives, the members will be given the opportunity to effect long-term planning, meaningful reforms and policy continuity while in office,” the resolution read.
Political analyst Dennis Coronacion said the proposal was “self-serving.”
“In fact, dapat du’n sa unang term pa lang, magkaroon ka na ng significant achievements,” Coronacion told NewsWatch Plus on Friday, Aug. 9.
[Translation: In fact, a representative has to have significant achievements immediately at his/her first term.]
“Kung ‘di mo pa rin na-achieve [If you have not achieved it] in a span of nine years, I think you have failed in your mission, and you don’t deserve to be a congressman again,” he said.
Coronacion advised the public to be cautious of such proposals as it may do more harm than good.
He said the system should not be changed “drastically.”
“Siguro we have to shorten the recess that’s being given to them kasi medyo matagal din ‘yun… Siguro mas magiging efficient sila and effective if they’re going to add more days du’n sa kanilang regular session,” he said.
[Translation: Maybe we have to shorten the recess that’s being given to them because it is quite long… Maybe they will be more efficient and effective if they’re going to add more days in their regular session.]
Coronacion also said that taking a break after a nine-year term is a healthy approach as public servants would have a new perspective.
