Senator Robin Padilla on Tuesday said he is ready to campaign for candidates in the 2025 elections who will support moves to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic and political provisions.
He also underscored the need to have a unicameral and parliamentary system of government to ensure progress.
Padilla also said he plans to tackle the issue of term extension when he pushes for Charter change, saying this will allow the continuity of an administration’s good programs.
“In the coming polls, I will campaign for candidates who may not be famous or don’t have money but believe that we need to amend our Constitution),” he said. “The people need to help me. All of this will hinge on 2025 when the people will decide whether the country will move forward or backward.”
He called on the people to believe in candidates who may be unknown or not rich but who believe in Constitutional reform.
“So long as we have senators who believe only in the 1987 Constitution, we will remain dreamers,” added Padilla, who said the 1987 Constitution is “outdated.”
Padilla cited the need for the Philippines to have a unicameral and parliamentary system to ensure the speedy passage of laws. He noted the current bicameral system takes up too much time and funds.
With a unicameral and parliamentary system, he said lawmakers will follow the lead of a Prime Minister. “We will not waste time,” he said.
He added it is time to tackle term extension head on because this is cited by those who oppose amending the Constitution. The senator said he favors a four-year term for the chief executive, with eligibility to run for a second term.
“What is wrong with having a second term? I don’t understand the opposition to it because six years is too short for a good president, though too long for a bad one,” he said.
Padilla added he will raise the issue of term limits when he pushes Charter change anew, especially since the 1935 Constitution allows a president to have a four-year term, and reelection to a second term.
“Imagine a President who will put his best foot forward in his first four years. The plans he puts in place will have a chance to bear results in the next four years. There will be a positive effect,” he further stated.