BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – Three Iloilo congressmen are pushing for the extension of President Benigno Aquino III’s term.
Inclusive growth can be achieved if we can extend Aquino’s term for six more years, Iloilo City’s Rep. Jerry Treñas told Panay News.
“It will catapult the country in the league of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore – truly the next tiger economy of Asia,” said Treñas.
The congressman also stressed that the country never experienced “unprecedented growth” in previous administrations.
But, he said, Aquino will need another term to reach the objectives of his anti-corruption governance.
“The cycle of boom and bust is always upon us if we cannot have consistency in leadership,” said Treñas.
Representatives Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo’s 3rd District and Richard Garin of Iloilo’s 1st District said they are “in favor” of amending the Constitution to give President Aquino one more term.
“Six years is just laying down the foundations. It is impossible to cure the country in six years,” Defensor told Panay News.
But Defensor said the Constitution should not only be amended to allow Aquino to run again. It should also “open everything” such as economic reforms.
“For me, qualified for re-election pwede. Like senators they can serve a maximum of two terms,” said Garin.
Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. of Iloilo’s 5th District, on the other hand, said it is “difficult” to amend the Constitution, citing the process involved such as a plebiscite.
“It is better not to touch the one-term limit of the President under the Constitution unless there is a very strong clamor from the people,” he said.
Bayan Muna’s Rep. Neri Colmenares from Bacolod City said there is no public clamor for Aquino’s term extension.
The proposal, he added, is an attempt to let Aquino “stay in power.”
“Aquino cannot accept the verdict of the people that his government is responsible for the continuing corruption, low wages in the midst of rising prices, and abuse of power,” said the Negrense solon.
Iloilo City’s Senate President Franklin Drilon previously denied that there have been discussions on the possible amendments to the Constitution in the Senate./PN
