MANILA – Extending his term is not an option for President Rodrigo Duterte amid talks for possible postponement of the 2020 national elections due to the coronavirus pandemic, his spokesperson Harry Roque said.
“The President is not interested in extending his term and he leaves it to the Filipino people, the sovereign people to decide if they want to amend the Constitution to postpone the elections,” Roque said in a virtual press conference.
Malacañang earlier rejected a proposal to postpone the national elections saying the Philippines can learn from other countries on how to conduct elections despite fears brought about by the health crisis.
“It can never be an option for Malacañang unless the Constitution is amended,” Roque said. “Under the new normal, under the new situation, mukhang ang magbabago po ay ang paraan kung paano mangampanya pero patuloy po ang eleksyon.”
Last week, House Deputy Majority Leader and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo floated the possibility of postponing the 2022 polls. However, the Commission on Elections said it has “no plans to delay” it and “measures are in place for the conduct the polls” amid the ongoing pandemic./PN
