THE administration's proposed shift to federalism has to go through the legislative process, President Rodrigo Duterte told Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari on Thursday, March 21.

Duterte made the remark, as he noted that Misuari was sticking to the "original agreement" to push for federalism, which was first promised by the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino.

"The original agreement, I think, that was assurance given to him by Cory Aquino -- that there will be a federal system that will govern this country. I mean the structure. And he is sticking to that agreement," the President said in a chance interview in Taguig City.

"'Yung federalism is being crafted by Congress. Maybe somehow, we can craft a set up within a federal structure. Pero it has to go into a process and I'm sure chairman Misuari knows that," he added.

Misuari, during his meeting with Duterte on Tuesday, March 19, allegedly warned to wage a war against the government, if the proposed federal set-up fails to push through.

On Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President made a "counter-threat" by telling Nur that the government troops are ready to engage in a battle with MNLF members.

Panelo, however, remained optimistic that Duterte and Misuria's resolve to seek peace in Mindanao and their "deep friendship" would prevail.

Duterte has promised to adopt a federal form of government to ensure better distribution of public services in Mindanao, and promote peace and order in the strife-torn region.

The President, in his latest remarks, said that the planned shift to a federal state must be in accordance with the 1987 Constitution and the laws.

"Everything must be in accordance with the Constitution," he said.

"Well, kung ano ang labas nung federalism (Whatever proposal we have for the shift to federalism), we'll just have to craft something there that would be allowed by the Constitution and by the law," Duterte added. (SunStar Philippines)