Federalism won’t hurt Cordillera autonomy – DILG
The Department of the nterior and Local Government (DILD) has maintained that the transition to federalism will bring stronger autonomy and improved policies in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
“Federalism, in essence, is about empowering the regions and this, I believe, would give a certain level of autonomy not just to the Cordillera Region, but to the other regions in the Philippines” said DILG Assistant Secretary for Communication and Public Affairs Jonathan E. Malaya.
Malaya noted “it is best to attend the Pederalismo serye town hall meeting with basic sectors, the Consultative Committee’s (Concom) Consultations and the Federalism convention/rally when the national government brings the roadshow to Baguio today (June 26).
“The future of the Cordillera region will be tackled during DILG’s dialogue with multi-sectoral groups. So let us all take part in the roadshow to know more about the form of autonomy that constitutional reform will give to Cordillera,” said Malaya.
Malaya is certain that the dialogue and convention would clear the misconception that federalism would somehow erase the current constitutional provision for a self-governing Cordillera region.
The “Pederalismo Serye” town hall meeting with basic sectors is a dialogue among the stakeholders of the campaign, while the rally is Cordillera’s way of showing its collective support for federalism.
Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides for the creation of autonomous regions for minority groups in the Cordillera and Muslim Mindanao.
Meanwhile, local officials of Cordillera region have been appealing to Congress to give life to the constitutional provision on Cordillera autonomy.
“This is why the DILG is reaching out to the regions. We need to know your concerns and, at the same time, correct the misunderstandings about federalism,’’ he added.