People with questions, comments and any other pointers regarding the proposed new Constitution that will allow the shift to a federal form of government can now send their queries and propositions online, a Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) official said Friday.
According to DILG Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, the different online avenues for the discussion of the proposed federal Constitution and federalism have been opened in adherence to President Rodrigo Duterte’s initiative to open public consultation on the issue of federalism.
“The DILG is pleased to hear that the President is making the process of amending the constitution an inclusive and democratic process,” Malaya said in a statement.
“In this light, the public may send their comments, reactions, suggestions and questions about Federalism to the email: info@pederalismo.org.ph or message the DILG Center for Federalism and Constitutional Reform team on Facebook @pederalismo,” he added.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday that the proposed federal Constitution is now open for public scrutiny. Earlier, he said that the move was aimed at providing the public an “intelligent understanding” of federalism.
READ: Proposed federal Constitution now open to public scrutiny, revisions
READ: No rush: Palace wants public to have ‘intelligent understanding’ on federalism
Malaya said that DILG’s program is just one of the other projects regarding the information drive for federalism.
“DILG is currently conducting its information drive on Federalism, organizing roadshows in the regions to increase public awareness,” he said.
“The Con-com has done its job in drafting the proposed model for constitutional reform, but the work for public awareness isn’t over. The DILG will thus continue to work hand-in-hand with the former Con-com members in making people understand Federalism,” he added.
Malaya also said the DILG will seek help from Con-com members former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Atty. Antonio Arellano, Professor Edmund Tayao, and others to speak during different federalism information drives.
Less than a month ago, Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and blogger Drew Olivar were embroiled in a controversy, after a lewd video on federalism went viral. The so-called “pepe-dede-ralismo” jingle drew widespread criticisms and condemnation.
Both Uson and Olivar said they meant no harm in their act, adding that they only want people to discuss the matter. /kga
READ: Mocha defends ‘Pepedederalismo’ jingle: We just want people to talk about federalism
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