Duterte brings Federalism to Catanduanes

Other News

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte braved inclement weather brought by Typhoon Egay for the last leg of his “Listening Tour,” to engage the citizens in a discussion about federalism which he is espousing, set in Virac, Catanduanes.

He was met at the airport by Local Government Unit (LGU) officials led by Governor Araceli Wong, some municipal mayors, members of the clergy, non-governmental organizations and the Bicol Federalism Movement group headed by Provincial Convenor Atty. Susan Ordinario.

Duterte has been going around the country for the past few months to push for a Federal System of Government as an alternative to the present Unitary Presidential Form our country has today.

He laid down the advantages which could be enjoyed by citizens outside of Metro Manila while he listened to the people about their outlook on the issue.

In a related development, the Bicol Autonomy Movement (BAM) which is changing its name to ‘Bicol Federalism Movement (BFM)’ has been pushing through the years, for this advocacy which jives with the concept of ‘Federalism’.

“With this development, BAM-BFM, as one group, supports the move for a Federal Form of government for the country. Aside from having a brighter prospect for peace in Mindanao, this Federal System of governance will be greatly advantageous for the Regions; it can be in terms of retaining local resources to benefit first the local residents as against the present Presidential System in which Manila decides for the Regions as to who should be on top priority. It will be a big factor in hastening progress in the provinces”, declared Bicol Autonomy Movement Regional Convenor Dante La. Jimenez.