Senator says 4-year terms for local executives would improve delivery of services

EXTENDING the terms of governors and other local executives to four years would pave the way for more development projects at the grassroots level that would improve the delivery of services, Senator Francis N. Tolentino said on Wednesday.

“This is inimical to public interests, the three years, and a hurdle to the continuity, stability and consistency of public service,” Mr. Tolentino told a Senate hearing looking into a resolution seeking to extend the terms of local government executives from the three years mandated under the Constitution.

“Stability and consistency instead of the revolving door policy can sustain, streamline administrative processes and efficient delivery of public service at the local level,” he said.

Under Resolution of Both Houses of Congress No. 5, filed by Senator Robin C. Padilla, the terms would be extended to four years and also seeks to give elected senators eight-year terms.

It also seeks to increase the number of senators to 54, with 30 being from each legislative region.

The measure also proposes that the President and Vice President be elected as joint candidates with a term for four years and shall be in office for more than two terms.

“Finally, it (longer terms) would result in greater competitiveness and efficiency in governance,” said Mr. Tolentino, who used to be the mayor of Tagaytay City and chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. “Longer leadership terms can potentially inculcate expertise and competence amongst civil servants.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez