AMID A HUGE drop in public trust embarking on the flood control scandal, a legislator forming part of a political dynasty called for a mass resignation and allow the conduct of a snap election.
In a Facebook post which appeared on his “verified” social media account, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano cited the urgent need for a “reset” through a snap election for the President, Vice President, Senate, and Congress.
NO INCUMBENTS
Cayetano however clarified that the snap election should not include incumbents whom he deemed as “suspects” in the trillion-peso corruption behind the ghost flood control projects.
“Now more than ever in our history, politicians are suspects… People have lost trust in government and government officials. Honestly, who can blame them?” he said.
“So here’s a thought: WHAT IF we all just resign and allow a Snap Election. From The President, Vice President, Senate, and Congress. With One Important Addition — No Incumbent From The Above Can Run For 1 Election Cycle,” Cayetano added.
LOCAL EXCLUDED
Interestingly, his call for mass resignation and the conduct of a snap election should not affect the local government units even as he claimed that governors, mayors, and barangay chairpersons will be in place.
As for the national government agencies, Cayetano said that it has its bureaucracy and will continue to run.
With the snap elections, the senator said there will be “no drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people.”
“If we truly serve them, then starting over shouldn’t scare us. Because real change starts with radical honesty — and the courage to admit when it’s time to step aside,” he said.
“We should all just consider this ‘What If’ and pray about it,” he added.
TAKE THE LEAD
In what appears to be a twist, the senator’s brother and former Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano dared the senator to lead his own call for mass resignation of elective officials by stepping down from office
“I support this proposal. I agree with my brother Alan and ask that we start with ourselves,” Cayetano said in a Facebook post on Sunday. “Give up power.”
“If you truly believe what you say, then trust and have faith that if some of the old guard step down now – it will inspire others to follow,” he added.
Under Cayetano’s proposal — which he said is an alternative to a “people power” — governors, mayors and barangay chairpersons would remain in their posts.
The former mayor said Cayetano’s proposal “can work – BUT it starts with one.”
“Be that one Sen Alan and you will be remembered by all sides as someone who laid the groundwork for real change,” he quipped. (With reports from Angel F. Jose)