Marcos adviser Gadon: Include political amendments in Charter change talks

Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon holds a press conference at a restaurant in Quezon City on June 28, 2023 following his disbarment. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA — Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon on Wednesday urged lawmakers to insert political amendments in their deliberations on revisions of the 1987 Constitution — changes that congressional leaders and the President have already said are not on the table.

READ: Marcos endorses economic cha-cha, says will not 'hinder' charter change moves

Gadon told reporters that he did not seek approval from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., his principal, when he submitted his suggestions to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“Certain political provisions have proven to be costly and redundant, and amending them could lead to improved governance and greater benefits for the people,” Gadon said in the letter, printed with his official letterhead, submitted to Congress.

“Charter Change is a rare opportunity that demands meaningful changes benefiting our nation and future generations. Let us seize this moment to enact comprehensive reforms,” he said.

Concerns that amending economic provisions would open the door to revisions to political provisions have contributed to opposition to charter change.

As it is, 74 percent of respondents in a Pulse Asia survey disagree that the 1987 Constitution needs amendment.

FROM 24 TO 48 SENATORS

The number of senators should be increased to 48 from the current 24 “to enhance efficiency,” said Gadon, who lost the 2022 senatorial race after finishing in the 20th spot in a 12-seat race.

“With fewer committee assignments, each senator can actively participate in discussions, promoting better governance practices,” he said.

EXTEND TERM FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS

Gadon also seeks to double the current 3-year term of local officials, saying that the Philippines can save more funds if House members, governors, vice governors, board members, mayors, vice mayors, and councilors are elected only every 6 years.

“Triennial elections incur substantial costs, draining billions in public funds,” he said.

“Synchronizing local and national elections, except for Barangay and SK elections, would enhance governance continuity,” he added.

Gadon also underscored that the triennial elections for local posts have “imposing financial burdens on candidates.”

“For local executives, the initial year involves familiarizing themselves with office functions and departments, with subsequent years dedicated to project planning, budgeting, and campaigning,” he said.

The term of incumbent national officials should be maintained “with no possibility of reelection, and retain existing provisions on succession,” Gadon said.

“The extended term should take effect in the 2028 national elections, ensuring that local officials who have served the present three consecutive terms cannot run in 2028 but may do so in subsequent national elections,” he said.

SHIFT TO PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT

The Presidential Adviser also urged lawmakers to “consider transitioning from a Presidential to a Parliamentary form of government, with the Prime Minister position shared by the Senate President and Speaker of the House.”

“Cabinet ministers would be appointed by the Prime Minister, responsible for daily government affairs and subject to removal by a vote of no confidence,” he said.

Under Gadon’s proposed government setup, the President will serve as “Head of State, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and Head of Foreign Relations.”

“The President appoints members of the Judiciary and Constitutional Commissions and may recommend the removal of cabinet ministers,” he said.

“The President and Vice President should be elected as a single team, with the Vice President assisting the President,” he said.

Aside from political provisions, Gadon also urged Congress to repeal the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), “allowing the government to own and operate energy plants.”

MARCOS: ECONOMIC PROVISIONS, NOTHING MORE

In February, Marcos said that his administration only seeks to have economic amendments in the 1987 Constitution.

“I want to make it clear, this administration’s position in introducing reforms to our constitution extend to economic matters alone or those strategically aimed at boosting our country’s economy, nothing more," the President had said.

Days after Marcos' statement, House leaders assured the public that they “will follow the President” and his desire to limit amendments to economic provisions.