Sara opposes federalism, says it will worsen situation of LGUs ruled by local 'warlords'

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi - While it is a priority of her father,  President Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is not sold on idea of making the shift to federal government.

Sara said not all local governments are equipped to exercise additional powers and resources that they will acquire under a federal government where the country will be divided into at least 17 regions, with each region being financed with its respective collection of taxes and fees; share in top revenue sources; equalization fund; the national budget and share from income sourced in natural resources.

"I grew up in Mindanao. My whole life [ako ay] nasa Mindanao. Kung makikita ninyo, ang Mindanao is an area na merong mga 'kingdoms' ang mga local politicians. Local warlords...I do not think na tama ibigay ang mas malaking powers kapag ganun ang setup ang isang lugar," Sara said during a campaign stop of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) here.

"Kasi, baka mag-worsen ang situation ng mga lugar, especially sa mga lugar na hindi pa ready na tumanggap ng dagdag na responsibilities or dagdag na power ang mga local officials," Sara added.

Sara, however, clarified that she would not stand in the way if Congress will push for federalism.

"Lagi kong sinasabi, I am not for federalism, but, I say, decision 'yan ng Congress, decision 'yan ng Presidente natin. Kung ano ang decision ng majority...isa-submit naman yan sa sa plebiscite," she said.

"Kung ano ang kagustuhan ng majority, dapat sumunod tayo lahat," she added.

Bangsamoro Region

As this developed, Sara said Sulu residents are hopeful of good tidings over the recent establishment of the new Bangsamoro Region under the newly ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Sulu voted no for the ratification of the BOL but the measure was ratified anyway since the 'yes' vote won in the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where Sulu is a part of.

"Sa mga taong nakausap ko, walang nag mention ng BOL. Lahat sila wait and see kung anong magandang mangyayari sa BOL. Lahat naman tayo, hindi lang taga Mindanao, tumitingin ng mas maganda pa sa kung anong meron tayo, kung ano ang mas maayos pa," Sara said.

"I'm sure everybody na under sa BOL is hopeful that it will bring better future for everyone," she added.