Dominguez remains in favor of federalism — Roque

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominquez III

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominquez III was merely raising questions on the draft federal Constitution and was not necessarily against federalism, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday, even after the finance chief feared a “fiscal nightmare” under the draft federal Charter.

“Naniniwala ako na si Secretary Dominguez po ay pabor pa rin sa pederalismo,”  (I believe that Secretary Dominguez remains in favor of federalism) Roque said, citing that Dominguez was with President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 election campaign and the finance chief was aware that federalism was a campaign platform of the President.

During a Senate committee hearing, Dominguez noted the confusing fiscal provisions in the draft federal Constitution, citing that the government’s big-ticket infrastructure projects could be derailed by federalism.

READ: Economic managers cite risks of federalism

Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, a member of the Con-com and Dean of the San Beda Graduate School of Law, on Thursday said Duterte should fire Dominguez and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia after the two officials expressed doubts on the proposed draft federal Constitution.

Pernia said federalism would “wreak havoc” and disrupt the economy’s growth momentum.

READ: Con-com member: If Duterte favors federalism, let him fire DOF, NEDA chiefs

Roque said the Palace has already “discussed and clarified the matter” with Pernia.

READ: Palace twits Pernia: Federalism has no adverse effect on economy

“Siya (Domiguez) po ay kumbaga may mga tanong doon sa draft na isinumite ng Consultative Committee, pero dapat pag-usapan siguro ng lahat kung paano nga makakarating patungo sa pederalismo,” he said.

During a Palace briefing on Thursday, Roque said the Palace respected the views of Dominguez and Pernia about the draft federal Constitution.  /muf