A Cebu-based group is pushing for a shift to a parliamentary-federal form of government in the country to entice Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to run for president in 2016.
Constantino “Jun” Panilag, a member of the Federal Movement for a Better Philippines Inc., said they believe that Duterte could still consider running for president if the proposed constitutional reforms are in place by 2016.
Duterte flew to Cebu City last Sunday as the guest speaker during the induction of the group’s newly elected set of officers.
In his speech, the mayor openly expressed support for the federalist movement, saying it was the solution to the territorial disputes in Mindanao as well as the key to proper distribution of wealth in the regions.
Panilag said they see Duterte as the lone person who can lead a federal government.
“Mayor Duterte is the only true-blooded federalist who can lead this cause. There is no denying that we are endorsing him as president although, he (Duterte) will not run in the current system that we have now,” Panilag said.
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