MANILA: Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano (pic) suggested a snap election for elected officials in the executive and legislative branches amid the political maelstrom caused by allegations of massive corruption in government.
In a Facebook post on Sunday (Oct 5), Cayetano said: “What if we all just resign and allow a snap election from the president, vice president, senate and congress, with one important addition – no incumbent from the above can run for one election cycle.”
Cayetano suggested this while stating that Filipinos “have lost trust in government and government officials.” He added, “politicians are suspects.”
The senator also stated that public officials shouldn’t be afraid of stepping down.
“If we truly serve them, then starting over shouldn’t scare us. Because real change starts with radical honesty — and the courage to admit when it’s time to step aside,” Cayetano continued.
A series of anti-corruption protests has ensued since the beginning of September due to the revelations that several government officials are allegedly involved in the supposed flood-control project anomalies.
“National government has its bureaucracy and will continue to run. Governors, mayors and barangay chairpersons are generally trusted and will be in place,” Cayetano added. (A barangay is a village or neighbourhood.)
“No drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people. A turning point leading to renewal and revival. Instead of People Power. Sacrifice from People’s Servants!” he said.
Among the government officials accused in the flood-control controversy are executives from government agencies, members of the House and the Senate.
Amidst these conversations, several changes in the legislative branch have also occurred.
Former Senate President Francis Escudero was replaced by Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, shortly after Escudero was accused of allegedly receiving “kickbacks” from the government-funded flood-control projects.
Later, Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez stepped down after being linked to the same controversies, stating that he did not want to stain the name of the president, and was shortly replaced by Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino “Bojie” De Guzman Dy III.
Former Ako-Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co also resigned from the Congress after being tagged as the “mastermind” behind the substandard or “ghost” flood-control projects.
Among the executive departments, the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Manuel “Manny” Bonoan resigned in the middle of the investigations into the government agency. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
