Pimentel says PDP-Laban to continue federalism push even as Duterte gives up

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Wednesday the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban)will continue educating the people on federalism after President Rodrigo Duterte conceded that it may not be realized within his term.

“The PDP- Laban will continue to educate our people regarding federalism and its benefits,” Pimentel, the administration party’s president, said in a message to reporters.

Duterte, in a speech before newly-elected local officials Tuesday, said: "If you do not want federalism, fine. But change the constitution that would really change this nation.”

The shift to a federal form of government, aimed at empowering the regions and the provinces, was one of Duterte's campaign promises in 2016.

Pimentel said PDP-Laban advocates for constitutional change primarily because of its position in favor of federalism.

“But the party is also open to parliamentary form of government, we are now under presidential form,” he said.

He added the party is also open to amending the Constitution to delegate to Congress the task of fixing of the nationality requirements and certain aspects of the economy.

However, Pimentel said the ownership of land must remain to the Filipinos. —LDF, GMA News