Duterte still bats for federalism

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is bent on pushing for a shift to a federal form of government even if he remains as city mayor and does not occupy any national position.

However, there will be no more sorties outside Davao City, which he did in the first few months of the year and which observers thought was his way of laying the groundwork for a presidential run in May 2016, but he did not file his certificate of candidacy for president.

“There won’t be any listening tour anymore as there will be no more funds to do it,” Duterte said. 

The listening tour brought him to various parts of the country and gave Duterte the opportunity to push for federalism with different groups including academe, local officials and business groups. 

He also addressed business groups and socio-civic clubs in Manila, Cebu and other key cities. 

Duterte said he would be willing to work with the new administration after next year’s polls just to push for federalism. 

“A shift to a federal system of government is still the best option for the woes of this country,” Duterte said.

Duterte likewise shrugged off thoughts that the push for federalism would no longer work as he is not seeking the presidency. 

“It can still work even if I am not president,” the mayor said. 

Duterte explained that he was just being consistent in saying he was never interested in any national office, which past administrations had offered him.

“The presidency does not appeal to me, the same way as the other national offices that were offered to me before,” he said. 

Former President Fidel Ramos offered Duterte the post of defense secretary while former President Joseph Estrada wanted him to be interior secretary and former President Gloria Arroyo also offered him a number of national posts to choose from, but Duterte declined them all.

President Aquino also offered Duterte the interior and local government post but the mayor refused.

Duterte said his destiny was in Davao City in the service of Dabawenyos and not to be president.