Lorenzana says federalism remains confusing

Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

Another Cabinet official has expressed doubts the Philippines is ready for federal form of government because everything still confuses him.

In an interview with the media in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday afternoon, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense (DND) shared his observation with reporters, saying the Philippines is “not yet” ready for the change in government system.

“So many don’t understand it yet. It’s confusing,” Lorenzana said in Tagalog, when asked for his opinion on the shift to federalism.

Lorenzana’s statement follows apprehensions expressed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and National Economic Development Authority chief Ernesto Pernia in a Senate committee hearing that the federalism shift can prove to be a “fiscal nightmare.”

READ: Economic managers cite risks of federalism

Lorenzana admitted that he himself was still confused about how federal leadership would be implemented.

“We still need a little more education, more information,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana, however, clarified that the military had no official position on federalism.

“We haven’t conducted a survey on our troops, but the military will support whatever the Congress will pass, as long as it has been deliberated on,” he added.

Meanwhile, asked about the controversial video by sexy dancer-turned-Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson poking fun at the word federalism, Lorenzana quipped: “In a way, Mocha was successful in raising the awareness of the people.” /jpv