Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) — A Pampanga representative is pushing for longer terms for president and vice president, saying a six-year term is too short especially in times of crisis.
Pampanga 3rd District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 on Jan. 7. He is asking the Senate and the House of Representatives to convene as a constituent assembly to consider constitutional amendments, including one re-election for the president and vice president.
“A six-year tenure is too short for a good president, especially if he is confronted with a crippling crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to wreak havoc on our health and economy and whose end is not yet in sight. It may take more than one presidency before the nation can fully recover from this catastrophe,” Gonzales said in a statement Sunday.
“Under RBH No. 7, the vice president would also have a term of five years with one re-election. A vote for the president would be a vote for his vice presidential running mate,” he added.
Gonzales said the proposed amendments would result in unity between the two top officials of the country and they would be “one in leading the nation.”
He is also proposing to ban the president from running for any elective post after his term and to give longer terms for the members of the House of the Representatives, governors, mayors, and other provincial, city and town officials. He is seeking a five-year term for them and limiting them to one re-election, instead of three-year term and two re-elections.
The proposed resolution would not affect the terms of senators and barangay officials.
