Palace: 2019 polls on amid federalism drive

Malacañang assured that next year’s midterm elections will push through despite the possible plebiscite on the proposed federal constitution.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement as the 22-man Consultative Committee (Con-Com) tasked to review the 1987 Constitution was set to submit its draft federal constitution to President Duterte Monday.

Roque, in his Monday Palace press briefing, said that Duterte will implement the 1987 Constitution until the proposed federal charter is ratified by the people.

“Definitely. In fact the President has said that he will not have any hand in any elective position not being subject to election in 2019. So that is his position,” Roque said.

“He will implement the current Constitution insofar as it calls for general elections this 2019,” he added.

Roque, however, said he is not sure if the senators who will be elected next year will get to serve a full six-year term as prescribed in the 1987 Constitution.

“I do not know what provision they have. But I have heard, although I haven’t seen, that the transitory provision provides that these senators who would be elected this year might serve only three years,” Roque said.

“But I’m not sure if that’s the final. I’m not sure, I only heard. So, we’ll find out this afternoon,” he added.

Roque, meanwhile, urged the public to just wait until the Congress gets to study to proposed federal charter before making any speculation.