Duterte confident of public support for federalism

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 23, expressed optimism that the Filipino people will support his proposed shift to a federal form of government from the current unitary type.

In his third State of the Nation Address, the President reassured the public that he has no intention of staying in power under the proposed federal system of government.

"Strong political determination, not political ambition, is the guiding light. I have no illusions of occupying this office one day longer than what the Constitution (allows), whatever constitution there might be," Duterte said.

"I am confident the Filipino people will stand behind us as we introduce this new fundamental law that will not only strengthen our democratic institutions but also create an environment for every Filipino, regardless of his status, religion or ideology. We will have an equal opportunity to grow," he added.

The Consultative Committee (ConCom), which was tasked to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution, submitted on July 9 its initial draft of the proposed federal charter that includes a transitory provision, delegating Duterte as the head of the Federal Transition Commission.

Under the initial proposal, the 10-man Federal Transition Commission is a body that will formulate and adopt a transition plan for the orderly shift to a federalism.

Duterte, however, opposed that particular provision and directed the ConCom to revise its proposed federal constitution.

The panel then released on July 17 its "final, official" copy of the proposed federal charter, which includes a new transitory provision that bars Duterte from running as president in the 2022 elections under the new constitution.

The proposed federal constitution also calls for an election for the transition president and vice president within six months from ratification of the new constitution.

The revised charter dismissed speculations that Duterte would extend his term under the proposed federal government.

Duterte emphasized that the ConCom's proposed new Constitution will manifest the Filipinos' "ideal aspirations."

"Four administrations before me have tried to amend the Constitution to be able to introduce amendments and divisions to the charter, but none of them was successfully done for one reason or another," he said.

"I therefore consider it a distinct honor and privilege to have receive earlier from the ConCom the federal constitution that will truly embody the ideal aspirations of all the Filipino people." (SunStar Philippines)

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