Federalism is the solution to corruption in Ph and peace conflict in Mindanao

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (April 30, 2015) -- The Federal System of Government is the only solution to graft and corruption in the Philippines and peace conflict in Mindanao, this was the statement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo ‘Digong’ Duterte during his visit here Monday.

Duterte arrived Pagadian City airport at 11:30 a.m. via private plane and was met by the officials of MRRD and leaders from the different organizations who SUPPORT the Federalism Movement and convoED to the venue for the symposium, consultation and dialogue held at Pinoy Grill.

Duterte said THE Philippines is the only country in Asia which is so far behind now in terms of development and which only focuses ON Manila due to the present government system.

The Local Government Units (LGUs) are only dependent on their Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA) as their share out from their revenues remittance to the national government, Duterte added.

Mindanao contributed more than 60 percent of the Gross National Product (GRP) but very much neglected as far as infrastructure development is concerned, Duterte disclosed.

He added that Mindanao has the best and cheapest source of Electric Power Generation from Pulangi River in Bukidnon and Lake Lanao in Marawi. But he is asking, "What happened now?"

He also said that until now Mindanao is still suffering from the  problem on Peace and Order stability including the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) issue which is now very much complicated.

Federalism is more appropriate than of the BBL that is acceptable from both Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) including the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Christians not only in Mindanao but in the country, Duterte explained. 

During the forum Duterte is very optimistic that Federalism is the only solution to stop graft and corruption in the country and the solution to peace conflict in Mindanao.

“I will not run for president but instead I will support candidates who will embrace the Federalism,” Duterte said.

The 81 percent rating or survey results in Mindanao area rank him number 3 will be the assurance of his positive campaign for federalism, Duterte added.   

Duterte also expressed his gratitude to the people behind the Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (MRRD) Executive Coordinating Committee in Region-9 doe their support to the Federalism Movement.