(GMA News) President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday criticized the lack of congressional support for his campaign promise to establish a federal system of government, months before leaving office.
Speaking at a democracy summit hosted by US President Joe Biden, Duterte said his federalism project was meant to “broaden democratic participation” in the Philippines.
“My government also sought to broaden democratic participation through federalism but my constitutional project did not get Congress support. So be it. I respect the separation of powers [that is] vital for democracy,” he said.
“The work of our imperfect democracy will certainly continue.”
Duterte has been pushing for a shift to a federal form of government as a means to address economic and power imbalances.
However, his proposal has languished in Congress, which is dominated by his allies.
Opponents of Charter change, meanwhile, have accused Duterte of encouraging amendments in order to maintain his grip on power, an allegation Malacañang has repeatedly refuted, stating that the President has no desire to extend his six-year term, which ends in June 2022… Read More