The anticipated submission of the final draft of the proposed Constitution by the Consultative Committee (Con-Com) is of big importance to President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of a federalist government, according to Malacañang.
“This is a significant step towards realizing PRRD’s promise to shift to a federal form of government,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a text message to reporters.
Five months after the start of deliberations, the final draft was unanimously approved by the 22-man committee last Tuesday, after a motion from former Senate President Nene Pimentel, a known federalism advocate.
Con-Com Spokesperson Ding Genoroso said that the draft would be submitted on or before July 9, in time for the State of the Nation Address on July 23.
Roque said the administration hopes that Congress would prioritize the proposal.
“We’re hoping that Congress will give it much weight as it prepares to submit proposed revisions to the Constitution to the people as a constituent assembly,” he added.