Explanation of Vote to House Bill No. 2417 (Eng)

EXPLANATION OF VOTE – Congressman Eduardo Nonato N. Joson
(Delivered on September 10, 2007, House of Representatives)

I vote NO to House Bill No. 2417 for the following reasons:

First, under our Constitution, Mr. Speaker, term limits were imposed so as to preclude monopoly of the elective position for an indefinite period of time. With this bill, a monopoly for an indefinite period of time becomes an unwelcome precedent and will be seen as a reward or as part and parcel of systemic corruption and cheap politicking for leaders at the barangay level.

More importantly Mr. Speaker, the people themselves, or the electorate under their right to elect our leaders -- which I termed as the rule of the sovereign -- has the sole power to elect, which cannot be delegated nor circumvented by their representatives. We are merely the representatives or agents of our people, Mr. Speaker. We cannot rise higher than the source. In other words, while we have the authority to fix the term of office of barangay officials, and an extension of the term is only part of the authority to prescribe the term of office, said extension must conform to the spirit of the law on term limitations, with the qualification requirements prescribed by the law (especially for Sangguniang candidates in the instant case), and accountability at the end of the prescribed term or a new mandate coming from the people themselves. It is not for the agents or representatives to provide for a renewal or extension of such mandate. Otherwise, a substitution of judgement or an arrogation of power will take place.

Secondly Mr. Speaker, although there has been a correction as to form and presumption of regularity on the passage of the bill on first and second reading, this representation is not satisfied with the procedural requirements for the passage of the bill. Even the 3rd reading version does not reflect the correction to the journal which should have been done before the printing and distribution of said 3rd reading version. We must remember Mr. Speaker that because we ourselves make the rules, it is incumbent upon us to strictly follow, amend or even suspend said rules, if necessary. Otherwise Mr. Speaker, we become the lawbreakers instead of lawmakers.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, as to the sponsorship of the bill, I believe that the deliberations must always focus on the issue or subject matter at hand. Admittedly passions will rise because of the heat of the moment,but remarks or language used must never be directed to the personalities involved in the discussion or debate. Therefore, if this representation has somehow touched a raw nerve on the part of the sponsor, my apologies to the sponsor and to this body, for such remark or language used. Good faith is always presumed. Civility and mutual respect is always a must. Our best side must always prevail if we are going to lead by example. Our people hunger and thirst Mr. Speaker. So We can do no less.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.