President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that federalism is the solution in solving the conflict in Mindanao, especially with the rise of threats to the national security.
In a business forum held in Mandaluyong, Duterte announced that he will form a 24-member body that will work on drafting a new Constitution that will change the current form of government to a federal government.
“If you do not reconfigure the unitary type of government now, which is the one that we’re using, and if there is no change in Mindanao, there will be no peace until the end of time for the Philippines,” Duterte said in his speech.
Duterte noted that Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front could turn into Islamic extremism if the Philippine Government would not give them the Bangsamoro region.
“If you do not force the issue, there will always be war. And remember that this time, there is a new element that has entered the picture,” he said.
Moreover, Duterte recognizes that the formation of a federal government would be expensive.
“A constitutional convention would really be expensive. Now, do not tell me that the composition of that constitutional body would be wiser, would be more honest, and would not be protecting a vested interest,” Duterte said.
If not possible, the President reiterated that a Bangsamoro region will be the best solution to end rebellions in Mindanao.
“If we are not ready to go federal, let us begin with a regional structure … and give to the Muslims. Let’s leave it to them,” he added.
Photo credit: MALACAÑANG
