ABC Chief Ralota shuts out federalism campaign in brgys.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

THE president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) shut out a federalism campaign in the barangays because of funding concerns.

Councilor Michael Ralota, ABC president, submitted a committee report to the Cebu City Council disallowing the information campaign of Cebu Federalism Inc. (Cedefi).

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Ralota, though, clarified that the main objection was to the donation being sought by the group, as represented by Rolando Lejarde.

The Council, however, asked that the committee report be deferred.

This, after Councilor Jose Daluz III entered his objection to the report, saying, “Federalism is a form of government and the group should be allowed to share their opinion.”

Ralota said that ABC is not against federalism per se, it is just that there are rules to follow when it comes to giving donations.

“Just limit the committee report to the donation and not on federalism,” said Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young.

“It is just prudent not to touch the merits on whether federalism is proper or not,” said Councilor Edgardo Labella.

Ralota was asked to redo the committee report.

Cedefi claims to be a special interest organization providing regular information drive to the public and educating them about the timeliness and necessity of adopting the federal system of government in the Philippines.