MANILA, Philippines – Under the draft constitution of Malacañang’s Consultative Committee (Con-Com), there will be no term extension for President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo. 

This will be stated specifically in the transitory provisions finalized by the committee,  Con-Com chairman Reynato Puno announced on Thursday, June 21.

“There will be no term extension for a president and the vice president. [It is] specifically provided that the term of the president and vice president, which shall end on June 30, 2022, shall not be extended,” said Puno.

The proposed provisions also state that the first elections under the new federal constitution will be held “without postponement” on “the second Monday of May 2022,” Puno said, reading from the draft constitution.

The Con-Com wants the transition period from the 1987 Constitution to the new charter to end on June 30, 2022. Thus, the work of a proposed transition commission will end on this date.

In the Con-Com’s draft charter, Duterte will head the transition commission which will be composed of 10 members.

The members, to be chosen by a 5-member search committee, must be natural-born citizens, at least 40 years of age, and with “proven probity integrity, independence.” They must be experts in economy, law, fiscal management, governance or development. 

The commission will be tasked to formulate and adopt a “transition plan” for the new system of government. It has the power to issue orders, decrees, and proclamations for the implementation of the plan. 

Puno said the commission must organize and fully establish the federal government and governments of the federated regions “in accordance with this (1987) Constitution.”

He also stressed that the commission should involve civil society through engagement with faith-based groups, indigenous peoples, and non-government organizations.

The Con-Com plans to submit its draft constitution to Duterte either this week or early next week, said Puno. – Rappler.com