Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has proposed the possibility of holding snap elections that would cover the President, Vice President, Senate, and Congress—with one strict rule: no incumbent official would be allowed to run for one election cycle.
In a statement shared on Facebook over the weekend, Cayetano said his idea stems from the public’s growing distrust in government institutions. “People have lost trust in government and government officials. Honestly, who can blame them?” he said, adding that “now more than ever in our history, politicians are suspects.”
The senator suggested that all elected national officials “just resign” and give way to a fresh mandate from the people, while local leaders such as governors, mayors, and barangay chairpersons remain to ensure continuity. “So here’s a thought: WHAT IF we all just resign and allow a Snap Election… With One Important Addition — No Incumbent From The Above Can Run For 1 Election Cycle,” he wrote.
Cayetano emphasized that the proposal aims to restore faith in public service. “No drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people,” he said. “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.”
His remarks come amid mounting corruption allegations in government, particularly involving flood control projects. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier revealed that 20 percent of the ₱545-billion budget for such projects went to only 15 contractors, describing the finding as “disturbing.”
Both chambers of Congress have launched separate probes into the issue, while the executive branch has created an Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate irregularities and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
