Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III firmly rejected the proposal of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano calling for a “snap election” involving all elected officials — from the President down to members of Congress.
In reports released Monday, October 6, Sotto cautioned that such an idea has no legal or constitutional foundation and could only lead to instability.
“We have no Constitutional nor legal framework for snap elections,” Sotto said.
He added, “We will be flirting with uncertainty and chaos.”
Cayetano first floated the idea a day earlier, on Sunday, October 5, through a Facebook post where he reflected on the issue of public trust in government.
“People have lost trust in government and government officials. Honestly, who can blame them? 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 wrote.
He also emphasized that local government operations would remain intact, saying,
“National Government Has Its Bureaucracy And Will Continue To Run. Governors, Mayors And Barangay Chairpersons Are Generally Trusted And Will Be In Place. No drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people. A turning point leading to ReNewal and ReVival. Instead Of People Power. Sacrifice From People’s Servants!”Cayetano concluded his post with a message about honesty and courage in leadership.
“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. We should all just consider this ‘What If’ and pray about it,” he said.
As of Monday, Cayetano has yet to issue a response to Sotto’s statement rejecting his proposal.