We are in the midst of another zarzuela. The resolution of Rep. Louis Villafuerte seeks to waylay us and hide its true intent through the provision prohibiting term extensions. There will be no need for term extension because we will indeed have elections in 2010. The Constituent Assembly he so ardently wants will ensure the transformation to a parliamentary form of government, and so the elections we will have in 2010 will be held to elect members of parliament.
Imagine this nightmare – the new parliament opens its first session on 30 June 2010, and sitting happily inside the Batasan is the newly elected Representative from Lubao, Pamapanga, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The Black and White Movement reiterates its position clearly – we will not stand for any further desecration of our democratic rights. This blatant move by the House of Representatives to give GMA immunity from accountability adds insult to injury. Let us not forget that she, of all presidents, is the least trusted and loved. We demand our right to have 2010 presidential elections so that we can rid our country of this most unloved of leaders and finally make a move toward positive, meaningful change. Remember, GMA has lied before, and who is to say that she will not invoke divine providence again to justify her pernicious hold on power?
How much more evidence do we need to prove that GMA’s political allies in the House just don’t get the real meaning of politics - the combination of active citizenship and accountable leadership. They have instead initiated moves to save themselves the hassle of good governance.
We have said it before and we say it again – STOP Cha Cha! Ibasura ang Cha Cha! Now na!
1 comment:
There is much that is disturbing about the discussion of moving to a parliamentary system and term extensions. For instance, the insistence that any currently elected officials serve out their full term, even after a shift to a parliamentary system.
Excuse me but a legislator's term does not belong to the legislator. It is not his God-given right to serve the full 3 or 6 years. The people can decide at any time, through a vote or any constitutional means, to cut short a legislator's term.
If the Filipinos decide to shift to a parliamentary system, it is perfectly within the voters' rights, and indeed only just and fair, to end the terms of all elected national officials -- Reps, Senators, the Prez and VP -- when the new parliament is elected.
I hope, however, that we don't adopt a parliamentary form of government. That will just strengthen the elites and Imperial Manila.
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