(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte once again pushed for the need for a federal system of government to allow for the better distribution of public services and foster lasting peace in the country.
“A successful federalism would provide a strong president but with a parliament working independently. That will be good, it will dissipate the authority of the few holding power,” Duterte said in his speech during the 35th Anniversary of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-LABAN) at the Philippine International Convention Center on Sunday, March 12.
“We have to change the system. For the longest time, it has brought injustice to our people,” Duterte said.
The President said he believed that no other system can appease the Moros of Mindanao.
“We can bring peace in Mindanao with federalism… Kung ‘di mo ibigay sa Moro ‘yung federal setup, this country will never, never be peaceful until the last day of the world,” he added.
The President is a vocal advocate of federalism, a system he proposed even during his campaign before the May 2016 elections.
Duterte has said from the start that he would step down once the federal system of government was adopted.
“Ako, pag na-ratify ‘yan, na-plebisito ‘yan at gets the nod of the Filipino people, I will step down. Do it in three or four — ang akin is six years — I will step down. That is my commitment to you,” the President reiterated.
Eagle News Service