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BY MAE SINGUAY
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Friday, March 17, 2017
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BACOLOD City – A pro-federalism group is not attending a consultation on federalism set today at the Bacolod City Government Center.
Their concept of spreading federalism is different, according to Liga ng mga Barangay president Noli Villarosa, chairman of Friends of Duterte in Western Visayas (Panay and Negros islands).
Rep. Roger Mercado (Southern Leyte), chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments, is leading the national “Public Consultation on Constitutional Reform” at 1 p.m.
Many groups campaign for federalism, which President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing, but their “guidelines” are different from ours, said Villarosa, barangay captain of Tangub and ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Friends of Duterte comprises around 6,000 members, including 35 barangay captains, retired teachers and several cooperatives here, Villarosa said.
It exists to support Duterte’s advocacy for a federal form of government and help the President inform the public about federalism, he said.
Friends of Duterte will head to every barangay next month to conduct an information dissemination campaign, said Villarosa.
Another pro-federalism group, Kilusang Pagbabago, cannot say for certain if they will attend the public consultation.
Its leader Atty. Archie Baribar said they will “try [their] best” to attend so they would understand the government’s side (the forum is sponsored by the Interior department, he said).
The issue has many facets, said the lawyer.
But Baribar clarified that they are in favor of the consultation.
“Everyone who is [pushing] forward the issue of federalism should be welcomed,” he stressed./PN
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