Political dynasties created by term limits on officials –Alan Cayetano

As far as Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is concerned, political dynasties are created by the term limits imposed by the Constitution on elected officials in the country.

Cayetano made the remark on Monday as he discussed issues that he believes could be addressed by Charter change (Cha-cha) in light of the proposed constitutional reforms of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.

In a press conference in Taguig City, Cayetano took a jab at critics whom he said refuse to accept the solutions offered by amending the Constitution.

"Sabi nila, ayaw na nila ng dynasty [pero] ang nag-create ng dynasty is yung term limits," he said.

According to Cayetano, mayors are having a hard time to perform their duties as they only have three years in office per term, which he believes is too short of a time to actually plan things out and execute them.

"Sasabihin nila, mga mayor natin, panay pulitika. E three years yung term e, in the middle of the term kang mae-elect... Worldwide, mga four to five years ang term para nakakapag-planning, nakakapagtrabaho," he said.

"Yun kayang mga CEO sa kumpanya, sabihin kaya natin sa kanila three-year lang ang term mo at yung una mong taon sa gitna ng fiscal year and then sa last year mo, nangangampanya ka, tingin niyo mapapatakbo nang maganda [ang kumpanya]?" he added.

In the case of his hometown, Taguig City, Cayetano said "bitter political rivalries" also come into play.

"Hindi ninais ng mga Cayetano na tatlo sa mataas na position [ay] Cayetano. Ang problema noon mayroong bitter political rivalry, dumating ako sa punto na binubuldozer nung mayor namin na hindi ko kasama ang mga project na ginagawa ko at ginagawa ng DPWH," he said.

Currently, Cayetano and his wife Lani represent the two legislative districts in Taguig City, while his brother, Lino, is the present mayor.

With all these issues, Cayetano said that there is a "price to pay" to achieve political reforms.

"Ang problema sa mga anti-Cha-cha na iba, they want reform pero yun lang nasa utak nila na reform pero yung actual reform sa batas, sa Constitution, ayaw nila," he added.

Cayetano acknowledged the need for constitutional reforms, but proper timing should be considered.

He said that while Cha-cha can be discussed at this time, he does not see a plebiscite to approve the proposed constitutional reforms happening any time soon, considering that the country is still facing the threat of COVID-19.

"So very interested pa rin ang Kongreso diyan but we're also practical. I think people should discuss it but they should not worry that it will be rammed down their throat," he said.

"We only want constitutional change if the people want it and want it very badly, that's why dini-discuss," he added. — DVM, GMA News