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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace tells Metro mayors: Let Congress do its job

Palace tells Metro mayors: Let Congress do its job

Published Feb 4, 2021 03:04 pm

Malacañang asked the mayors of the National Capital Region (NCR) to let Congress do its job in determining whether or not there is a need to amend some provisions of the Constitution.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as several Metro Manila mayors thought that this was is not the right time to talk about amending the Constitution since the country is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his Thursday presser, Roque said the Palace welcomes the thoughts of the mayors but said the decision still lies with Congress.

"We respect the views of these mayors, of course. But also have to respect na trabaho ng Kongreso na isulong ang mga bagay-bagay na ito (that it's Congress' job to push for things like this)," he said.

"Wala pong pwedeng manghimasok sa kapangyarihan ng Kongreso sa pagpo-propose ng amendments to the Constitution. Trabaho po nila 'yan (No one can interfere with the power of Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution. That's their job)," he added.

In a speech last month, President Duterte outright rejected rumors that he is seeking to extend his term as the country's leader, saying he is already done with politics.

"Miski ibigay mo sa akin on a silver platter, miski ibigay mo sa akin libre another 10 years, sabihin ko sa 'yo: Putang ina mo, iyo na lang 'yan. Tapos na ako (Even if you give it to me on a silver platter. Even if you give me another 10 years for free, I'll tell you: You son of a bitch, you take it. I'm done)," he added.

President Duterte has been consistent in his stand that he will not go beyond his six-year term. His last day as chief executive is on June 30, 2022.

Last month, reports said that House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco instructed House constitutional amendments panel chair Alfredo Garbin to tackle proposed amendments to economic provisions in the Constitution.

Meanwhile, pro-Duterte senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald Dela Rosa, meanwhile, are pushing to change provisions on "democratic representation and the economic provisions of the Constitution."

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