MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said she strongly opposes the possible cancelation of mid-term elections in 2019.

In her weekly radio show, “BISErbisyng Leni,” Robredo emphasized that elections are the highlight of the nation’s democracy.

“Ito lamang iyong natatanging paraan para iyong ordinaryong Pilipino makilahok sa isang proseso na siya iyong pipili kung sino iyong mamumuno sa kanya, (It’s the only way how ordinary people can participate in the process of choosing their own leaders," Robredo said over the radio show.  

“Kasi kami namang mga namumuno, hindi kami ‘yun boss, kami ‘yun boses ng ordinaryong Pilipino. Kapag inalis natin sa ordinaryong Pilipino iyong karapatan na pumili kung sino magrerepresent sa kanya, nasaan ang demoksrasya (As leaders, we are not the boss, we are the voice of ordinary Filipinos. Once we remove the right of ordinary Filipinos to choose who will represent them, where is the democracy there)?” the vice president added.

Robredo was reacting to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s statement that there is a possibility that the midterm elections in 2019 would be canceled if the country would shift to a federal form of government. He said that elections for all the positions in the new government could be held in 2022.

READ: Alvarez: No election in 2019 possible but not Duterte term extension

Alvarez earlier said pursuing a federal government would entail a transitionary period to prepare for an election under the new system.

Term extension questioned

Meanwhile, Robredo also opposed the possibility that there would be a term extension due to the shift to a federal form of government. Robredo described the Duterte government’s plan as “self-serving.”

“Gusto naming palawigin iyong aming termino, kaya magpapasa kami ng isang panukala o isang batas para habaan pa iyong kontrata namin sa mga Pilipino. Nasaan iyong katarungan doon? (We want to extend our terms that is why we will pass a law to extend our contract with the Filipino people. Where is the justice in that?)” she said.

Sen. Bam Aquino also earlier said that the attempt to lengthen the term of officials would be “self-serving.”

Last Wednesday, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said President Rodrigo Duterte’s term could be extended if needed. He, however, clarified that extending the president’s term is not necessary since there is enough time for the transition period during his term.

The House of Representatives is currently interpellating House Resolution No. 9 or the request to convene for Constituent Assembly for the Charter Change. Con-ass is the preferred method to introduce the changes of the Constitution, according to Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, chair of the committee on constitutional amendments.

RELATED: House tackles con-ass for Charter change