Bacolod City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson supported the call of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano recently, for sitting government officials to resign and give way to a snap election for a completely new set of leaders.
Cayetano’s statement came amid renewed public outrage over a string of high-profile corruption allegations involving infrastructure projects and the misuse of discretionary funds.
Cayetano, who currently serves as a minority leader, stated in his proposal that it will serve as a “national reset button” for the governance, which is meant to show that public service is about stewardship and not self-preservation.
“If we are really serious about restoring trust, then let’s go all in. Let everyone resign from the president down to the last congressman, and let’s hold snap elections,” he said.
In response, Lacson, when asked about the possibility of Cayetano’s proposal, answered that “that is a tough decision that the officials will have to make, but I believe it is a popular decision by the public; it will be accepted by the public.”
Based on the senator’s suggestion, once all sitting officials step down, particularly those who were involved and named to be part of the corruption scandals, they will not be allowed to run in a snap election.
Lacson believes that the snap election would provide a solution to the pressing issue of corruption in the country.
“It would be a solution to the present corruption issue because the suggestion of Senator Cayetano was to not allow these incumbent officials to run; they will take a break for at least one cycle,” the governor explained.
“It is good, especially if we elect persons of integrity and persons who are determined to eradicate corruption, especially in the higher offices,” he added, noting that the proposed snap election will still depend on the people’s choice of officials.
The issue of corruption in the country, particularly in flood control projects, has earned the indignation of Filipinos as investigations are currently underway. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)