Comelec: Shift to federalism should not affect right to vote

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections on Thursday said the proposed shift to federal parliamentary form of government should not deprive Filipinos of their right to vote. 

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that it appeared that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was only describing a possible outcome that would arise from the country’s shift to federalism.

“The Comelec, however, remains confident that such shift—should it happen—can be accomplished without depriving the sovereign Filipino people of their constitutionally guaranteed right to select their own leaders through free and fair elections,” Jimenez was quoted by News5 Aksyon.

He urged Filipinos to participate in discussions on constitutional amendment, particularly federalism, “so that the time comes to choose, the votes we cast shall be fully-informed and well-considered.”  

READ: Cancelation of 2019 elections possible, says Alvarez

On Wednesday, Alvarez warned of a possible cancellation of the 2019 midterm elections as a transition government would needed if the shift to federalism would be approved by May this year.

"Let’s be practical. 'Pag nag-shift ka into a different form of government—unitary to a federal you need a transition government. Hindi puwede basta inapurabahan mo ng Mayo, implement mo kaagad 'yan," Alvarez said on ANC’s “Headstart.”

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said that the May 2019 elections would have to push through unless the 1987 Constitution is amended.

The change of the form of government from presidential to federal through a constitutional convention has been a top House priority since Alvarez was elected speaker in the opening of the regular session of the 17th Congress in July 2016.

READ: Charter change, federalism top House priorities for 2018