Gonzales says to prioritize ‘structural changes’ to make PH ‘first world country’

Former defense chief Norberto Gonzales. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales on Tuesday said he will prioritize “structural changes” to the country’s political system if he wins the presidential contest in May.

During SMNI News’ presidential debates, Gonzales said the structural changes he plans to implement will pave the way for the Philippines to become a “first world country”.

“Ang uunahain ko ay ‘yung ating istraktura sa politika, para bang ang mga politiko pa natin ang humaharang para ang ating bayan ay umunlad, umusad at maging first world,” he said.

(My priority is our political structure, it’s as if our politicians are blocking our country from developing and moving forward and becoming a first-world country.)

“Kaya structural changes sa political system ang uunahin ko,” he added.

(That is why I will prioritize structural changes in the political system.)

These changes will lead to charter change, said Gonzales, and transforming the country’s form of government into a parliamentary system.

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Gonzales also said he will likewise push to make regions in the countries autonomous, if not federal.

“Diyan ako magsisimula, ‘yung ibang problema kung maganda ang liderato ng ating bansa, marami tayong magagawa,” he added.

(That’s where I’ll start. For the other problems, if our country’s leadership is good, we can do a lot.)

Gonzales is running for president under Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.

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