Talk on federalism? Focus on rising prices, killings instead — Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said discussion on a proposed shift to a federal form of government should not be rushed and should not overshadow other pressing issues that affect Filipinos.

“Why not pay attention to important issues that affect the public such as the rising prices of commodities and spate of killings?” Robredo said in Filipino on RMN-DZXL.

Inflation spiked to 5.2 percent in June from 4.6 percent in May, beating the central bank’s forecast of 4.3 to 5.1 percent range for the month.

Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote and Trece Martires City, Cavite Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan were killed in separate attacks last week. The killings of local executives has raised concerns over violence and impunity in the country.

Robredo said that talk on the proposal to create a new charter should not be rushed.

“The people should understand what it is about, its effects. Discussions on the matter should not be rushed,” Robredo,—who is not from "Imperial" Metro Manila, which proponents of federalism say dictates on the provinces and hogs development—said.  

Surveys: Filipinos not keen on charter change

A Social Weather Stations survey released late June showed that only 37 percent favored the shift to a federal system of government, while 29 percent expressed opposition to it. Another 34 percent were undecided about the matter.

A separate Pulse Asia survey released May found that 66 percent of Filipinos said they are not in favor of replacing the present unitary system of government with a federal one. Only 27 percent expressed support for the change to a federal system, while six percent were ambivalent on it.

“Everyone in the government should exert more effort on popularizing the need to shift to a federal form of government, its advantages to the people and effects to the lives of common people,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in late June in response to the survey results.

The 22-member consultative committee tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution unanimously approved a draft charter for a federal government Tuesday. The draft constitution will be submitted to the chief executive on July 9.

He is expected to formally endorse the draft charter to Congress in his next State of the Nation Address on July 23.