BY CARLA P. GOMEZ
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he is not in favor of the postponement of the 2022 elections and of Charter Change to extend the terms of incumbent local government officials now.
“We should go through with the 2022 elections and whatever changes in the Constitution should take effect after,” he said.
For now we are focused on the fight against COVID-19, he said.
Lacson said he is not convinced of the need to shift to federalism, but he is in favor of institutionalizing the Supreme Court’s Mandanas ruling that will ensure more funds through the Internal Revenue Allotment for local government units.
“I hope that will be included in Charter Change,” he said.
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines is proposing to lift restrictions on foreign investments and to institutionalize the Mandanas ruling in the 1987 Constitution, which has raised suspicions that the main purpose for charter change is to extend the terms of elected government officials.
On the inability of the government to afford the elections in 2022, Lacson said “they really would just have to explain to the public and show proof that the Philippine government is in no position to hold the elections.”
BARRIERS
Meanwhile, Lacson said there is no need for barriers to be put up on motorcycles for married couples.
“For married couples, there is no need of barriers because within their rooms there are no barriers anyway, “ he said.
It is very clear that they are saying back riding on motorcycles is only allowed for married couples and those living in anyway, he said.*