Gov’t needs to intensify info drive on federalism: Palace

FILE: Roque said “everyone” in the government particularly the Consultative Committee (ConCom) should exert more efforts in the information dissemination drive. ( YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday said the government needs to “work harder” to promote the numerous benefits Filipinos can enjoy under a proposed federal form of government.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this comment following latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey which showed majority the Filipinos are unaware of federalism.

“Well apparently, the information drive is not enough. We’ll need to work harder given that the shift to federalism is the cornerstone of the Duterte administration,” Roque said.

According to SWS survey conducted on March 25, only one of the four Filipinos are aware of the proposal to shift the form government to federal system.

Roque said “everyone” in the government particularly the Consultative Committee (ConCom) should exert more efforts in the information dissemination drive.

He said the information campaign should focus on the need to shift to a federal form of government and its advantages and effect on the daily lives of the ordinary people.

Roque said ConCom tasked by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution is expected to focus on information campaign now that they finish the draft of the new Charter.

“We expect that the next step of the commission is the information drive on what the changes and benefits the people can expect,” Roque said.

He said the government remains upbeat that people will eventually support the shift of government from presidential to federalism.

“That’s the cornerstone of the Duterte administration, together with the drive against corruption, the drive against illegal drugs, comfortable life for all, shift to federalism,” he said.

The proposed federal form of government is expected to boost the economic development in the provinces.