Duterte to Push Federal Form of Government in 2016

Davao City (PNA) — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is pushing a Federal form of government as the structure to give peace in Mindanao.

“Nothing short of a Federal structure will give Mindanao peace,” Duterte said during his proclamation as the official candidate of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) for president in Sheraton Hotel in Quezon City that was aired live over national television Monday.

Duterte focused on the Mindanao situation in his message, saying, “Salvation of the Philippines is in Mindanao.”

Like in his previous speeches in several gatherings elsewhere, Duterte explained why Federalism would be the best alternative if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would not be passed during the present administration. According to him, BBL is already watered down from what has been originally signed by Secretary Teresita Deles and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The mayor believed that the passage of BBL will face difficulty. “Mahihirapan talaga (It will have a hard time),” he said.

He ran through Mindanao’s history, the injustices to Moro people, unfair distribution of revenues and the wars in Mindanao.

“Mindanao’s destiny is determined by laws crafted in Manila,” he said. “Let us go Federal. It will be beneficial for our country,” he added.

Under a Federal government, Duterte wants a 60–40 or 70–30 sharing of resources in favor of the Federal states.

Codification of eco laws

Duterte will also be pushing for the codification of economic laws to encourage more businessmen to invest in the country.

According to him, too many signatures needed in putting up a business discourage investors. “It’s topsy-turvy,” he said, adding that the process of getting approvals already dampen the investors’ interest to do business in the Philippines.

Duterte vowed to shorten the process, citing what he has done in Davao City where government offices now release the papers within 72 hours.

The mayor is mulling providing a “shopping list” for investors to get final approval of permits.

Officially PDP

Although the mayor is already a member of the PDP-Laban, the party through Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III gave him the party’s pin and shook his hands the PDP way, signaling that he is officially the party’s presidential candidate.

“I never expected this in my wildest dream,” Duterte said in his opening message. He said he even asked God what is really destined for him.

“I told God if You want me to campaign for president, so be it,” he said, generating laughter from supporters.

PDP-Laban also accepted Senator Alan Cayetano as guest candidate of the party as the running mate of Duterte in next year’s elections. (PNA) LAP/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP