Nograles says federalism will help fight terror

Davao City 1st District Rep. Karlo Nograles sees wisdom in the proposed switch to a federal type of government, particularly in keeping terrorism in check.

Nograles said in a statement that he agrees with President Duterte’s claim that Islamic extremism, particularly in Mindanao, would be “easier to fight and defeat” in a federal government set up.

The administration congressman noted that federalism would afford all regions equal opportunities in harnessing local human and natural resources in their quest for socio-economic development.

This would also give Mindanao the opportunity to prove itself as a land of peace and development and not a breeding ground for terrorists and ruthless criminals.

He emphasized that poverty among Filipinos, in both urban and rural areas in the country, especially in Mindanao cultivated the growth of rebellion and now, radicalism, and terrorism.

“The sense of hopelessness among the people, especially the overwhelming number of long-neglected poor in different parts of the nation is one big factor that pushed our brother-Filipinos to criminality and even take up arms against the government,” Nograles explained.

Nograles gave the statement amid the Duterte administration’s ongoing military operation against the Maute terror group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. Maute has links to the dreaded Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The local Islamic extremists marched into Marawi last May 23. Authorities have said that it may take another month to fully flush them out of the city.

Duterte, who won the Palace seat overwhelmingly in last year’s national elections, is pushing for the switch to a federal type of government from the current unitary type.

Federalism, among other things, will allow local government units (LGUs) to chart their own future under a government that’s not too centralized.

Nograles expressed optimism that the move to amend the 1987 Constitution for the purpose of pursuing federalism will go full blast after the president delivers his second State of the National Address (SONA) on July 24.

Duterte’s SONA next month will signal the start of the second regular session of the 17 Congress.