Only few know about federalism

CEBU, Philippines - Saying that only about one percent of the Filipinos knows about federalism as a form of government, proponents of the change in the political landscape consider an uphill battle the task to inform the public about it.

Assistant secretary for political affairs Jovi Zarate, who is also the secretary general of People’s National Movement for Federalism, said about 98.6 percent of the Filipino people lacks knowledge/information about federalism.

In a press conference, Zarate said various Duterte groups are facing a gargantuan task of bringing down federalism to the grassroots level.

“It is sad thing to note that many of those who voted for President Duterte, who has been vocal about Federalism during his campaign, ay hindi alam kung ano ang Federalism,” said Zarate.

He added that the groups have until October this year to campaign for federalism as the plebiscite on federalism has to be done simultaneously with the barangay and SK elections.

Zarate also asks all Filipinos, regardless of political color, to vote yes for federalism.

Roa Jacob Sevilla, the regional director of Abante Pederalismo sa mga Probinsyanong Bisaya (APProB), said President Rodrigo Duterte will be here this month for the launching of the Liga Federal Pilipinas (LFP), an umbrella organization of all federalism groups.

Sevilla said that APProB is the first group advocating for federalism that is affiliated with the LFP, whose main objective is to change the current unitary government to a federal one.

“Dapat anhi gyud sa Cebu ang launching kay dinhi sa Cebu nagsugod ang federalism during the time of Lito Osmeña. So, atoa ning padayunon,” said Sevilla. (FREEMAN)