We don’t support scrapping of term limits — Lagman

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Reps. Edcel Lagman of Albay and Gary Alejano of party-list group Magdalo yesterday denied supporting the proposal in the House of Representatives to lift the term limits for lawmakers and other elective officials.

“Rep. Vicente Veloso (of Leyte) was lying when he told ABS-CBN’s Early Edition (on Thursday) that I voted for the lifting of term limits and the ban on political dynasties,” Lagman said in a statement. 

“I am not a member of the committee on constitutional amendments and I voted on third reading against Resolution of both Houses No. 15 on the House charter change proposal.This is on record and I also explained my negative vote,” he said.

The House approved the resolution on third and final reading last week before Congress adjourned its session for one month for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The resolution contains the House version of a federal charter which, among other provisions, scraps term limits and the ban on political dynasties.

Veloso heads the committee on constitutional amendments, which endorsed Resolution No. 15.

In his television interview, he said, “I have no problem with term limits. I have no problem with anti-dynasty…I was thinking at the plenary, this matter would be raised by Congressmen Lagman and Alejano. The two of them voted for the lifting of term limits, what can I do?” 

Alejano reiterated his opposition to the lifting of term limits “following false claims that I voted in favor of this provision during the deliberations in the committee on constitutional amendments.” 

“First, I am not part of the committee, so there is no way I could have voted for it. Second, I registered a No vote on Resolution of Both Houses No. 15 on the proposed federal charter,” he said.

He said scrapping term limits “allows perpetuation of government officials in power, which could be abused.”

It would also strengthen political dynasties, he said.

Senators have said the House version of a federal constitution would be “dead on arrival” at the Senate.