Now is better time to shift to federalism, says former CJ Puno

Now is the “better time” for the Philippines to shift to federalism, according to former Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

Speaking at a rally for federalism held in Quezon City on Saturday, Puno, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to head a consultative body for amendments to the 1987 Constitution, said the results of the last presidential election was indicative of the people’s support for the new system.

“I think for the longest time, we have long seen how the unitary government system works,” he said. “I think we are already late in this shift … But this is the better time, especially in the face of the crisis in Mindanao.”

‘Ticking time bomb’

Sought for clarification later, Puno cited the Bangsamoro struggle for autonomy, calling it a “ticking time bomb.”

Among the participants in the rally were Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Villafuerte, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Raul Lambino, one of the organizers of the rally, said the gathering was intended to show that there was already enough support for a constitutional change and eventual shift to federalism.

“There is already a clamor for change, validated by the result of the 2016 elections where President Duterte, who advocated for federalism, won,” said Lambino, administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.