Duterte: ‘If you do not want federalism, fine, but change the Constitution’

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time, President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly declared he is no longer inclined to push for federalism to purportedly break the Manila-centric government in the country.

However, Duterte said he is still bent on amending the 1987 Constitution to “change this nation.”

“If you do not want federalism, fine, but change the Constitution that would change this nation,” Duterte said in his speech after the oath-taking of local officials affiliated with Hugpong ng Pagbabago in Malacañang.

The President had earlier said federalism, one of his many campaign promises, would bring lasting peace in the country, particularly to strife-torn Mindanao.

He also believed that federalism would bring prosperity in regions that have long been stricken by poverty. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)