THE PROPOSAL: IS IT A YES OR NO?

Photo by Philstar

“You know my advice to you is maintain a federal system, a parliament”, President Duterte said when he delivered his first SONA on July 25, 2016 at the Batasan Pambansa Quezon City.

President Duterte reiterated on his first SONA on Monday his plan to change the presidential system of government in to federalism. He even showed his willingness to step down from his position when the federal system of government takes in to action even if his term has not yet ended.

“But, I can commit today to the Republic of the Philippines and its people: If you hurry up the federal system of government and you can submit it to the Filipino people by the fourth, fifth year, proseso ‘yan e (It’s a process). You call for a referendum and after that call for a presidential election, I will go. Sibat na ako.(I will leave) But you just have a president.”, He stated.

This goal will create bigger changes than his war on drugs though he asked for the trust of the nation. He encouraged the Filipino people to support this kind of system for he believes that this is best for our country even before when he was still campaigning for presidency.

He even joked Senator Tito Sotto that he might be the new president when the federal system completely comes to pass. “You can have a president you

He ended his speech on his plan on federalism by saying, “You must have a president. Wala na ako niyan. (I’m not there anymore) I said if you can give me that document, I will urge you to conduct a --- to order --- to order, call for an election the following day, following week. And even if there is still two years, three years I will go. Okay na ako. (I am fine) Do not worry about me. I don't aim to that much ambition. Eh nanalo ka eh. (Because you won) Hindi ko nga alam bakit nandito ako ngayon. (I don’t even know why I am here)”which was laughed by the audience.