Bill allowing reelection for President, VP others filed

Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio "Dong: Gonzales Jr. filed a resolution seeking changes in the Constitution, including shortening the term of the President to five years but allowing them to run for reelection.

Gonzales said that the present single term of six years "appears to be insufficient" for implementing long-term programs and policies, thus the proposed extended tenure of 10 years for the President.

"We are now on the road to recovery, having more than P12 trillion in national debt due to the pandemic, and most recently, the high prices of fuel due to the Russia-Ukraine war. A long-term solution is wanting; hence, longer term policy on good and competent leadership should be put in place," he stressed.

His resolution also pushes for a five-year term with reelection for the Vice President, members of the House of Representatives, and local officials. The current Constitution sets the term of office of the Vice President at six years with one reelection and three years with two reelections for elected representatives, mayors, and governors.

The lawmaker also suggested tandem voting, under which a vote for the President would be a vote for the Vice President belonging to the same political party.

The proposal, however, restates a provision in the Constitution banning the incumbent President and previous presidents from seeking the highest office again. In addition, it would expand such a ban to include any other elective office.