![[OPINION] A viable constitutional reform roadmap](https://i.headtopics.com/images/2023/2/23/rapplerdotcom/this-time-we-can-pursue-a-reform-of-the-1987-const-this-time-we-can-pursue-a-reform-of-the-1987-const-1628673290507104259.webp)
'This time, we can pursue a reform of the 1987 Constitution with only a singular goal in mind, and that is to improve the way we govern ourselves.' More in this Opinion piece:
Genuine proponents of constitutional reform must welcome the unequivocal declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thatBecause now we can be confident, at least to a degree, that this effort can indeed be shielded from the typical toxic partisan politics which has scuttled every Cha-Cha attempt for the past 36 years. This time, we can pursue a reform of the 1987 Constitution with only a singular goal in mind, and that is to improve the way we govern ourselves.
It is truly unfortunate that we often see congressional hearings get overwhelmed by textbook debates between unitary-vs-federal or presidential-vs-parliamentary. We also see the discussion get flooded with arguments of “what is good for the country” which are solely based on academic literature. Well, we all know that these goals have not been achieved at all. The imposition of term limits has not curbed the appetite of politicians to consolidate political power by any means possible. In fact, by some cruel and perverse twist of fate, this purported anti-dynasty constitutional device has actually instigated the proliferation of bigger political dynasties.
Consequently, local governments almost exclusively prefer short-term, quick-gestation projects so that elected leaders can immediately reap the political returns. Strategic development undertakings that require an extended time frame almost always never see the light of day, even if it will produce more socio-economic benefits for the community.
One suggestion is to match the term of office of local officials to the president’s term of six years, but allowing for a single re-election. So, this provision can be amended such that the last part can read as follows, “…shall be six years and no such official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.”
In conclusion, Senator Robin Padilla and Congressman Rufus Rodriguez should be thrilled that they can now proceed with their committee hearings totally focused on reform work. But they should also shed themselves of the hubris which killed past Cha-Cha attempts by adopting a more strategic mindset. Pursuing a well-defined reform objective is a viable roadmap for our first shot at reforming the 1987 Constitution.
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