MNLF, thousands join call for Federalism, Rev Gov

FILE: The MNLF under the leadership of Chairman Nur Misuari has been supportive, even pushing for a Federal form of government. (Photo By Keith Bacongco, CC BY 2.0)

DAVAO CITY – An estimated half-a-million people including many members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) coming from different provinces in Mindanao converged at the Crocodile Park and Freedom Park, Davao City on Thursday to call for a change to Federal form – Revolutionary government.

At the Crocodile Park, MNLF-Davao head Rolando Olamit led members in joining with Hugpong Pederal Movement of the Philippines. Olamit estimated the crowd at 500,000.

The MNLF under the leadership of Chairman Nur Misuari has been supportive, even pushing for a Federal form of government.

At the downtown area, thousands joined another rally supporting the call for a revolutionary government. It was also a venue to launch a signature campaign – the People’s Call for Revolutionary Government.

The pro-revolutionary government supporters were holding their activity at the same time when an estimated 300 leftists were also commemorating Bonifacio Day.

Cesar Tizon, Rev Gov convenor in Davao, said there is a strong clamor for a revolutionary government and they are urging authorities to start working on the proposal.

He said this is also in support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision for a change. But Tizon said they are also strongly supporting the Federal form of government.

Tizon stressed the rally would be the platform for the people to call for amendment to the Constitution to hasten change.

“We have to pressure Congress to enact the law,” Tizon said.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that while the President does not want a revolutionary government, it does not mean he would prevent the public from expressing their support for a revolutionary government.

For now, Roque said the Philippines does not need revolutionary government because there is a factual or legal basis for it.

He also emphasized the President’s highest trust rating, as thus, enjoys the trust of the people.

Roque said he does see any threat to destabilize the administration of President Duterte. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)