Defensor doubts adoption of draft federal constitution

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. expressed doubt that current members of the House of Representatives would have enough time to tackle and adopt the draft federal constitution.

The shift from a unitary to a federal form of government was one of the campaign promises of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Defensor said the Congress lacks time to push for the adoption of the proposed federal charter because of the upcoming May 2019 midterm elections.

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) is set in October this year.

“Wala na sila panahon pa nga tutukan ang plano nga mangin pederal ang form sang atongovernment. Kalabanan sa ila busy sa elections” Defensor said.

“Basi ang sunod na nga set sang miyembro sang Congress ang magpadayon sang pagduso sang pederalismo,” he added.

Defensor has been an advocate of federalism.

Early last month, the 22-member Consultative Committee (ConCom) chaired by former chief justice Reynato Puno unanimously approved the draft charter for a federal government.

Both Congress and the Senate already received copies of the final draft.

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times