Marañon favors federalism but…

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he has been for a federal form of government, but admitted that making it a reality would not be an easy task.

The governor aired his opinion after Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte visited the city Friday to talk about federalism, peace and order and industrialism.

Marañon said he has been in favor of federalism ever since, citing neighboring countries like Malaysia and India have a federal government. He, however, was apprehensive over the process. “To change (our form of government) is a big problem. We have to change our Constitution,” he said.

Duterte had been pushing for a federal government, insisting that federalism is the answer to gain peace in Mindanao. “It is the only solution that can address insurgency in Mindanao and the long-deplored wealth-sharing disparity between Luzon and the Visayas and Mindanao,” he added.  (FREEMAN)