Recto sees ‘bloody’ discussion on federalism

Sen. Ralph Recto. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto is seeing a “bloody” discussion in Congress on the proposed shift from the present presidential to a federal form of government.

Recto said he himself has “serious reservations” on the proposed shift to federalism.

“I have serious reservations. They still have to convince me on federalism,” he said during a press briefing in his office in the Senate on Wednesday.

He said he was open to other priority legislative measures of the new administration such as the lowering of taxes, but he had a different view on the proposed federalism.

“Pag dating ng issue ng federalism sa ngayon, nakikita ko (When it comes to the issue of federalism, I can at present) that it would be very difficult,” said Recto.

“I’ll probably debate on the other side. I’d rather have more local government autonomy, increase the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotments) of local government. Madugong usapan pa yang federalism (I can see a bloody discussion on federalism),” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte, during his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) last Monday, pushed for a French-style federal form of government, which has a prime minister and a president. RAM

READ: Duterte wants federal gov’t with prime minister, president