Duterte says he's willing to step down from presidency before federalism transition

President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday he is willing to step down as early as next year if the administration's push for a shift to federalism succeeds.

Duterte made the remark after some personalities, including 1987 Constitution framer Christian Monsod, took exception to the draft federal charter by Palace consultative committee which does not explicitly ban Duterte and other incumbent officials from reelection.

"Make me stop being president during the transition. In other words, elect a president before you make the transition from unitary to federal. I would be willing to accept the proposal. Galing na sa akin," the President said in a speech in Davao City.

"I urge Congress and kay Puno [consultative committee headed by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno] ngayon to make the final changes. Make me president only next year 2019 and I will accept it if that will satisfy."

Duterte said Vice President Leni Robredo can have his position by then if she wished.

Duterte earlier said that he would quit his post if the country has shifted to a federal government by 2020, insisting that the unitary system of government has failed the people by keeping resources and power centralized.

The consultative committee is expected to submit the proposed federal charter to Duterte on July 9. —JST, GMA News