Groups see no sincerity on Inday Sara rejecting federalism

Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte. (file photo by EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s opposition to federalism was not genuine and was just aimed at garnering votes, some groups critical of the Duterte administration said Wednesday. 

On April 25, President Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest daughter said she opposes a shift to a federal form of government as it might only “embolden Mindanao warlords” and local politicians.

READ: Inday Sara says federalism might only embolden ‘warlords’ in Mindanao

“Matapos sabihin na hindi kailangan ng honesty sa mga politicians, mahirap maniwala sa sinabi ni Sara Duterte,” Jean Enriquez of Kalipunan said during a press conference in Quezon City.

Teddy Casiño of Makabayan coalition also said the statement of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago founder was just aimed at gaining votes.

“Response lang ‘yon sa survey na nagpapakitang more than 60 percent ng Filipinos are against Charter change and they want to get the votes of these majority of Filipino people,” Casiño said, pointing out that the President is the “number one proponent” of federalism as it was part of his campaign promise.

Sonny Melencio of Laban ng Masa shared the same view.

“The family itself is a dysfunctional family… Hugpong ng Pagbabago is basically a coalition of magnanakaw, warlords, nagpapahirap sa bayan, all of trapos (traditional politicians)…” Melencio said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said Duterte-Carpio’s opinion would not affect the administration’s push for a shift to federalism.

READ: Palace: Sara’s opposition won’t affect Duterte admin’s federalism push

Enriquez then campaigned against pro-administration senatorial candidates who would support the Chief Executive’s legislative agenda that includes the revision of the Constitution.

“Clearly, the administration and its candidates who are for changing the Constitution are not pro-people but pro-foreign investors,” she added.

Atty. Alex Lacson, convener of the People’s Choice Movement, also stressed the need for an independent Senate that can “oppose the declaration of martial law, a revolutionary government and the passing of a federal Constitution that is anti-Filipino, anti-democracy, anti-poor.”

The incoming 18th Congress needs senators who could “scrutinize all international agreements to prevent China from gaining greater access to our government and natural resources,” he added.

The leaders also raised alarm on the House draft federal charter principally authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

“All provisions for the interest of the people such as full employment and worker’s rights, agrarian reform and rights of fishers, women, urban land reform and housing, and people’s rights were removed,” said Enriquez. /jpv

READ: Draft federal Charter gets House’s final nod

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