THE Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has criticized Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s call for snap elections, calling it a ‘typical obfuscation’ of the issue of corruption in government.
‘Cateyano is trying to divert the focus from corruption accountability to snap elections, giving the illusion that corruption can be addressed simply through the electoral process that is still dominated by political dynasties and corrupt politicians. How will holding snap elections address the issue of accountability? The proposal is a distraction and a way to douse cold water on the people’s protests,’ the bloc said in a statement.
The bloc added that a snap election, without systemic reforms, would only result in a change of personalities and would not tackle the root causes of corruption.
Cayetano, in a statement posted on his official social media accounts on Sunday, urged all sitting government officials-from Malacañang to Congress-to resign to pave the way for snap elections and a completely new set of leaders.
He said the country’s political institutions have been shaken by a series of corruption scandals that ‘eroded the very foundation of our people’s faith in leadership.’ According to Cayetano, genuine accountability requires more than mere words from public officials.
The senator, who serves as the minority leader of the upper chamber, described his proposal as both symbolic and practical-a ‘national reset button’ to emphasize that public service is about stewardship, not self-preservation.
Cayetano’s statement comes amid renewed public outrage over high-profile corruption allegations involving infrastructure projects and the misuse of discretionary funds.
Wishful thinking
MALACAÑANG on Monday brushed aside Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s call for a snap election involving all elected officials in the executive and legislative branches, calling it ‘wishful thinking’ and irrelevant to the country’s pressing concerns.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos remains focused on governance and disaster response, particularly assisting those affected by the recent disasters.
‘It is just his wishful thinking. We do not have time to talk about one’s personal desires. Abala ang Pangulo na magtrabaho para sa bayan at tulungan ang mga naapektuhan ng lindol at bagyo. Wala po siyang oras sa mga ganitong klaseng pamumulitika [The President is busy working for the country and helping those affected by the earthquake and typhoon. He has no time for this kind of politicking],’ Castro said.
She urged public officials to set aside political maneuvering and prioritize the people’s welfare.
‘Mag-focus po tayong lahat sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan, hindi sa mga pansariling interes lang [Let us all focus on the needs of the people, not on personal interests],’ she added.
Law needed
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday clarified that holding snap elections is not possible unless a law explicitly allows it, following renewed calls in the Senate to elect a new set of national leaders.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia explained that the terms of elected officials are fixed under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which means the poll body cannot simply hold another election without legal authority.
‘On the part of the Comelec, we cannot conduct any kind of election-whether special or snap-without a law mandating it. Our duty is to implement election laws, and without such a mandate, we have no basis to proceed,’ Garcia said in an interview.
The clarification came after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano over the weekend urged all sitting government officials-from Congress to Malacañang-to resign and pave the way for a snap election to install a new set of leaders.
Garcia, however, cautioned that the Comelec has no power to hold such an election on its own.
‘That kind of mechanism exists in a parliamentary government. When there is a loss of confidence, the government itself can immediately call for an election,’ he explained.
‘But here in our system, there’s no such provision. Whether this would require a constitutional amendment or simply a new law, I cannot say.’
When asked how snap elections were made possible during the Marcos Sr. administration, Garcia pointed out that the Batasang Pambansa at the time gave the President both executive and legislative powers.
Under the 1987 Constitution, however, the principle of separation of powers and a system of checks and balances were clearly established.
‘The terms of elected officials are fixed,’ Garcia said. ‘The president cannot be re-elected, and the vice president may only serve two consecutive terms. These provisions were put in place to prevent abuse of power.’
Still, if public pressure for snap elections gains momentum and lawmakers find a legal remedy, Garcia said the Comelec will be ready to carry it out.
‘There would be no problem. We’re open to such proposals, but of course, all actions, especially those by the Comelec, must be based on existing laws, particularly when it comes to elections,’ he said.