SC junks suit vs. reelection of termed-out lawmakers

THE Supreme Court has junked a petition seeking to compel the Commission on Elections to strictly enforce the term limits on elective officials, particularly those in Congress, and to declare as unconstitutional the reelection of termedout senators and congressmen.

In an 18-page en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the SC ruled that contrary to the assertion of the petitioners, what the Constitution clearly prohibits is the reelection for more than two or three consecutive terms of senators and members of the House of Representatives.

The high court cited its ruling in Socrates vs. Commission on Elections, which held that what the Constitution prohibits is the “immediate reelection” for a fourth term following three consecutive terms for members of the House or a third term following two consecutive terms for senators.

“Clearly, the prohibition and term limit refers to consecutive terms. While the provisions do not textually provide the terms ‘hibernation, hiatus, or rest period,’ the usage of the word ‘consecutive’ indicates that the term limit and prohibition only apply to reelection for an immediately subsequent term. The interpretation of petitioners is an extra-textual reading of the Constitution,” the SC said.

The petitioners, composed of a group of lawyers and private individuals led by Vladimir Alarique Cabigao, argued that Sections 4 and 7, Article VI of the Constitution barred senators from serving more than two consecutive terms while the members of the House of Representatives cannot serve for more than three consecutive terms.