Regional consultations can help people embrace federalism — Koko Pimentel

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed high hopes that the regional consultations to be conducted by the Consultative Committee (ConCom) would result in a “better understanding” and “greater acceptance” of the proposed shift to federalism.

Pimentel was optimistic that the “more the public learned about the distinct features of federalism, the more it would be willing to embrace the changes this system of government will bring.”

“It is natural for many of our countrymen to fear what they do not understand, to resist change and the unknown. Iba talaga itong federalism sa nakasanayan nila. (Federalism is really different from what they are used to),” the senator said in a statement on Sunday.

“But if they see that these changes will benefit them, then they will be more open to them,” added Pimentel, president of the ruling PDP-Laban that is strongly pushing for federalism.

Encouraged by surveys

The senator said he was encouraged by surveys that show that over half of respondents who were aware of federal system of government were more supportive of the proposed shift to federalism.

He mentioned the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that showed that 57 percent of respondents who had knowledge of federalism were in favor of that system of government. Only 22 percent were against it and 20 percent were undecided.

“I believe the numbers make it clear that those who know more about federalism are more likely to support its adoption,” Pimentel said.

“With the draft constitution now finished, we can now have a real discussion about the proposed amendments to the Constitution, particularly the shift to federalism,” he said.

The ConCom is set to submit the draft charter to President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday for review.

Once revisions have been made and inputs from the Malacañang are incorporated into the draft constitution, the President is expected to endorse the document during his State of the Nation Address on July 23.   — Daphnie Beltran/INQUIRER.net Intern

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