Duterte leaves federalism to next President

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday conceded that the shift to a federal form of government is up for another President to complete.

“Federalism is good but there are certain things that need to be very clear. It devolves a lot to the local government. It’s something that the President, not I… I suppose it could come after me,” Duterte told reporters after his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“I’m out of it because I think it will pass beyond my time,” he added.

Duterte made no mention of Charter change and federalism during his fourth Sona.

This came after he reportedly “accepted” that the push for a federal form of government may not prosper under his watch.

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

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

Asked why he did not mention federalism in his Sona, Duterte said: “It is not the proper time to be discussing it ngayon.”

“Better left in conferences that are not allowed to be open to the public kasi pag isang provision to one another, magulo eh,” he added. /kga