CEBU Gov. Hilario Davide III is not yet sold to the idea of having a federal form of government in the country.
Davide told reporters during yesterday’s press conference that federalism should be further studied as it has its advantages and disadvantages.
One specific disadvantage he mentioned was the problem of taxation.
Should there be a federal form of government, Davide said there are provinces that are not as progressive.
One of the advantages, he said, is the autonomy, an own legislation board, and its own police force.
“Daghan pa nang ramification na tun-an (There are ramifications that needed to be studied),” Davide said.
He said federalism also requires constitutional revision.
“If they can really convince that this is for the good of everybody, my only concern is local government should have autonomy, greater autonomy and would determine the direction and to (take) charge of its own future,” he said.
Davide said talks like the dialogue done by former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. should be encouraged since federalism cannot be rushed.
The elder Pimentel earlier urged Duterte to lay the framework for federalism early in his term./With an Inquirer report