CONGRESSIONAL representatives in the Cordillera are looking at a positive acceptance in the region's quest for autonomy over a federal form of government being promoted by the Duterte administration.
During the recent congressional public consultation, Baguio City Congressman Marquez Go appreciated the presence, queries, opinions and recommendations of the various stakeholders present during the proceedings.
"I am very happy with the result of the public hearing. We've heard the manifestation of support from different groups in the Baguio and Benguet area and this will be a good input to our local government committee meeting when we come back next month in Congress," Go said.
Go hopes to have House Bill 5343 approved in the committee before Congress adjourns on June 1st.
"When we come back, we want to get the approval of the committee on appropriations and rules before submitting if for plenary discussions on second reading at the lower house of congress," Go explained.
House Bill 5343, An Act Establishing the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera (ARC), was officially filed March 20, 2017 during the first regular session of the 17th Congress.
Meanwhile, Kalinga Representative Allen Jessie Mangaoang pointed out the importance of having regional autonomy first before the move for a federal state.
"What we are saying here is that before federalism, there should be autonomy first just like the Bangsa Moro Basic Law being fast track in Muslim Mindanao. It should also be the case here in the Cordilleras so that in the event there should be federalism, we should have our own battle cry of having a separate state from a federal state," Mangaoang stated.