Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

If it were up to him, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers would fix through Charter change (Cha-cha) the way the country carries out elections. 

According to the Barbers, it's the inherent flaws within the election system that have held the country back. 

Barbers said that the admissions of some of the framers of the exsiting 1987Constitution that they had no concrete basis for putting a three-year term caps on House of Representatives members or congressmen is in itself a reason to take a second look at the Charter. 

"Why the distinction and discrimination?" he asked, alluding to the Senators who have six-year terms. The House and the Senate are supposed to be co-equal branches in the bicameral legislature. 

“It was a revelation and admission of lack of basis and according to them 'para maiba lang (just to be different)', smacks of discrimination and lack of vision. Now we have elections every three years. With the most recent SC (Supreme Court) decision [on] BSKE (Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections), we might have yearly elections. Yet we wonder why we are in the bottom standings of the world," Barbers said. 

The veteran congressman from Mindanao says polls cost a lot of money and are breeding grounds for corruption. 

"These very expensive elections have become the favorite pastime of the people. These elections have bred and continue to breed massive corruption. We just refuse to acknowledge it and turn a blind eye to this gruesome reality," he said. 

"This corrupt practice contribute heavily to our economic slide. Everything comes to a halt during elections. Only the self-proclaimed election 'magicians' profit from this exercise,” Barbers, chairman of House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said. 

“It is time we require and place qualifications for elected officials so that our country can really move forward. Let us do away with making our elections a popularity contest and a mockery of our only chance to uplift our own lives," he underscored. 

The House leadership has recently bared plans to revisit Cha-cha discussions in order realize long-sought amendments to the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution. 

But some solons are also eyeing tweaks to the Charter's political provisions. 

"Everytime Cha-Cha is the topic, the same people oppose it and they say the same thing. It is sad because they are not in touch with the people on the ground and are not attuned to their sentiments," Barbers said. 

"Unlike congressmen, governors and mayors who are working directly, closely and daily with their constituents, they do not have direct district constituents. That is the reason for their expected and usual reaction. On the other hand, we see the economic struggles of our constituents yet we can only do so much,” Barbers said.