Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla criticized the constitutional three-term limit for members of the House of Representatives, saying it has weakened institutional memory and reduced legislative expertise.
“Noong wala pa ang term limit, we were able to develop experts because of the institutional memory they have. Ngayon itong ginawa nila sa 1987 Constitution, three terms, three years, dumadami lang ‘yung tanga,” Remulla said in a radio interview.
The former Cavite lawmaker argued that term restrictions disrupt continuity in governance and encourage political substitutions within families.
“Kasi kapag nag-expire ‘yung term, papalitan ng asawa, anak, kapatid,” he noted.
Remulla, who comes from a prominent Cavite political family, added that some newly elected legislators tend to prioritize access to government funds over actual legislative work.
Having served in Congress from 2004 to 2013 and again from 2019 to 2022, he said he would have been among the chamber’s most senior members had he returned. His former seat is now held by his son, Crispin Diego Remulla.
The 1987 Constitution limits House members to three consecutive three-year terms. Remulla dismissed concerns over political dynasties, insisting that the term limit itself is the main problem.
“Kaya kalokohan iyang term limit na iyan. Sa akin hindi (political) dynasty ang problema. Itong term limit ang problema,” he said.