DILG, ConCom optimistic of shift to federalism within PRRD’s term

“Given the fact that the elections are fast approaching, we still hope that this will be implemented before elections. However, if not, then the timetable under our draft is that this will be fully implemented within the term of the President.”(PNA file photo)

MANILA — The Consultative Committee (ConCom) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are optimistic that the shift into a federal form of government will materialize within the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Given the fact that the elections are fast approaching, we still hope that this will be implemented before elections. However, if not, then the timetable under our draft is that this will be fully implemented within the term of the President,” ConCom member, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, said Friday.

Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya, DILG spokesperson, said the House of Representatives is currently taking the Constituent Assembly track, which is why it proceeded to the process of passing a committee report.

Malaya acknowledged the possibility that there may not be enough time for discussions within this Congress since elections are already set in 2019.

“If this doesn’t push through within this time frame, the next battle will be the next Congress. So, in the next Congress, it’s now a question of: Do we proceed again with the Constituent Assembly track or should we open up the doors to a Constitutional Convention?” he said.

Either way, Malaya said he is confident that Congress will make the right decision and “that the people should be given the opportunity to approve or disapprove a draft federal Constitution before the term of the President ends in 2022.”