By Christian Dee
MAYNILA – Iminungkahi ni Senator Robinhood Padilla na awtomatikong gawing presidential advisers ang mga dating pangulo ng Pilipinas.
Ito ay kaugnay ng inihaing panukalang batas ng ilang mga senador na Senate Bill No. 1784 o “Former Presidents Benefits Act of 2023” na naglalayong magbigay ng karagdagang benepisyo sa mga nagdaang pangulo ng bansa.
Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ng naturang senador na buo ang kanyang suporta sa pagbibigay ng karagdagang benepisyo sa mga dating pangulo dahilan ang naging sakripisyo ng mga ito sa bansa.
“I am sure they have much to contribute to our nation, even after their terms end,” ani Padilla.
“I propose that former Presidents be automatically made presidential advisers, and it will be up to the sitting President to decide which area they can contribute,” aniya kung sakaling makapagdadagdag siya sa panukalang batas.
Inihain nina Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Mark Villar, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, at Sen. Francis Tolentino ang naturang panukala.
“Former Presidents of the Philippines, to a certain extent, still serve as a representation of the country. As former highest-ranking elected officials of the country, former Presidents are expected to contribute insights on nation building and pressing national issues which may require their expertise,” paliwanag sa SBN 1784
“Despite the end of their term, they are also expected to perform post-presidential duties such as meeting with foreign and local dignitaries, and attending public events and other social engagements. These duties often require them to employ the services of personal staff and maintain private offices,” dagdag pa rito.