Duterte to ABS-CBN: Promote federalism and we’re friends

Malacañang will continue pushing for a shift to a federal form of government despite the public’s reluctance to embrace the idea.

President Duterte himself called on other TV networks to help promote federalism, even asking the ABS-CBN TV network to join the campaign.

Mr. Duterte has been publicly lambasting ABS-CBN, along with other media outfits critical of his war on drugs, and has been threatening its owners.

He did so again on Wednesday, but said he was willing to bury the hatchet with ABS-CBN if the latter would promote federalism.

He made the remark after mentioning ABS-CBN chair Gabby Lopez in a speech at a benefit dinner hosted by the PDP-Laban for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City.

“If you would help in the federal system campaign and make it a slogan for the unity and to preserve this republic, I will make up with you,” Mr. Duterte said.

Alluding to Lopez, he said: “I will go to you and say … I will not ask for anything. Just dedicate a portion of your time, your expensive and precious time on TV, help us promote federalism, only the good ones. But if you think that it is not into your system, fine.”

He said this was all he would ask from the TV networks.

“And I said, I’m willing to shake hands with you. And you can continue with your criticisms about corruption. We both don’t want corruption and wrongdoing,” he added. —LEILA B. SALAVERRIA