Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Luis “Chavit,” Singson Sr said municipal mayors are pushing to lift the term limits of local officials in the country.
Singson, who was the president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), made the remark during an interview over radio dzBB.
According to Singson, the term limits is not helpful for the country, especially if a local official is serving well for his constituents.
Currently, mayors could only be elected for three consecutive three-year terms or nine years. Singson said it makes no sense for a performing government official to stop serving because of term restrictions.
Politicians then let their relatives run to replace them to ensure that their family remains in power.
“Why punish them by making them quit if even if they’re serving well,” he said.
Also read: Over 1,000 mayors want constitutional reforms – Chavit Singson
5-year term insted of 3
The Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor, is also pushing hold the election for local chief executives every five years instead of three years. Singson said the three-year term causes fights among politicians. It was also expensive, he added.
Singson revealed earlier that 1,488-member LMP endorsed a proposal to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. The said resolution suggests institutionalizing the so-called Mandanas Ruling of the Supreme Court in the Constitution. It also proposed lifting the restrictions on foreign investment in industries that are currently limited to Filipinos.
Singson, who was a former congressman, also said there is no need to pass anti-political dynasty law because people now are smarter and more powerful. He cited that people could now use social media to expose corrupt local officials.
“The people are smarter. Even if you give them money, they will not vote for you if they don’t like you,” he said.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, said Charter change (Cha-cha) – in whatever form is not their priority.