News
Federalism Will Continue to Protect Rights of Marginalized Sectors-ConCom
Members of the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution assured the constituents of Davao Region that all basic sectors will be well taken cared of in the proposed Federalism Constitution that the committee drafted.
ConCom Commissioner Dr. Virgilio Bautista stated that the draft Federal Constitution will continue to recognize, promote and protect the rights of the marginalized sectors like the indigenous peoples, farmers, fisherfolks and the urban poor.
Bautista made the assurance during the Townhall Meeting on federalism Thursday, Aug. 2 at the Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City, which drew more than 250 participants composed of leaders and representatives from the basic sectoral groups and local chief executives of the provincial, city, municipal and barangay local government units in the region.
After the presentation of the proposed Federal Constitution by ConCom Commissioner Atty. Randolph Parcasio, representatives from the sectors of IPs, farmers and fisherfolks, women, urban poor, youth and senior citizens expressed their hopes and support to the new form of government.
About women concerns raised by City-Wide Federation of women representative Sharon Pariscal, Parcasio replied that the Federalism Constitution guarantees the protection and promotion of rights of women particularly their participation in the political arena.
He said the new constitution will require political parties to have not less than 50 percent of their membership comprise of women. “It will be the regional federal government that will create the mechanism to ensure that this requirement will be implemented,” Parcasio added.
The Townhall Meeting was part of the Federalism Roadshow in Davao City spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
After the meeting, thousands of individuals from various sectors, national and local government in the region converged for the Regional Convention for Federalism at Rizal Park in Davao City.
The participants affixed their signatures in a manifesto showing their support to the proposed Federalism Constitution.
DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan E. Malaya said, “We want to engage people from all walks of life so that they will know that this advocacy for federalism is for the good of the Filipino people.” (RGA/CLC/PIA-Davao)