Saturday, August 16, 2008 Shifting to federalism 'impractical': Duterte
DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said shifting to federalism today is an "impractical move" that might result in even bigger complication if pursued hastily.
"If you transform Congress into a constitutional convention or a constitutional assembly, it would practically be an open field. Anything proposed must be considered and this could touch everything, every policy and especially the Constitution. It could drag on forever," Duterte said.
He added that this could cause the overstaying of officials in power while Congress crafts the amendments.
"Kung ako, di pud ko gusto nga magdugay pa ako. Let's say ten years sila magtrabaho. Kadugay ana. Di na nako na kaya. Di pud na siya maayo for public officials," Duterte said.
"Federal type is not good for us to do at this time. Maybe after the 2010 elections when the people are more mature," he added.
According to Duterte, a shift in the form of government, particularly the process towards it, should be without the constraints of politics.
"We can elect the members of an independent assembly in 2010 and leave it to do its work until, let's say, 2020, maybe then the nation is ready to shift to federalism," he said. (GLP)
