Federalism approval unlikely — Escudero

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Sen. Francis Escudero doubts whether there is still time for the approval of a shift to federalism.

“With the present composition of Congress until June 30, 2019 it is impossible that federalism will be approved. Now, with the coming term of Congress from 2019 to 2022, we will find out whether it could still be approved,” said Escudero during a press conference at his residence Thursday.

Escudero is running for governor under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

He believes that there was a big chance for federalism to get approved during the first half of Duterte’s term, when his approval ratings were still very strong.

“But on the second half of his term, President Duterte’s popularity is already going down and this year even his allies are slowly leaving and running to seek public office going to 2022. So I feel that it will be difficult to do it during his term,” he explained.

Aside from this, Escudero noted even the President’s economic managers are not in favor of federalism.

“I was holding the budget deliberation of the Senate where Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez and NEDA director-general Ernesto Pernia were present. They were not in favor of federalism. They don’t even know if federalism is necessary. So, for me, federalism has no more chance of being implemented,” he added.

In seeking a local post, Escudero said he is running for governor to provide a collective connection, expertise and experience to make Sorsogon one of the top 10 progressive provinces in the country.

“This is about giving back to my roots, to my province after completing my term and experience in legislation at the Senate,” he said, adding that, if elected, he would focus his efforts on improving tourism, livelihood and health.