Poe: Federalism to perpetuate dynasties

BUTUAN CITY—Sen. Grace Poe on Friday said she could not support a shift to federalism, as advocated by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, because it would perpetuate political dynasties.

Poe, who came here with Sen. Chiz Escudero, told reporters that transforming the current setup of presidential-bicameral government into federal would only benefit political dynasties.

“For me, we have a problem on political dynasty, and under federalism, there is autonomy and the proposal is by region. What if a particular region is dominated by only one family?” she asked.

Poe said there should be equal opportunity for all.

“What kind of devolution of power will it be if only one particular family controls the area?” Poe added.

Escudero, meanwhile, doused speculations that a Poe presidency would be under the control of business magnate and political kingpin Danding Cojuangco.

Escudero said rumors that Poe would become Cojuangco’s political girl had no basis.

“Poe is not a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition. I also resigned from the party in 2009,” Escudero said.

He said the Poe-Escudero tandem would be waging a campaign without the backing of any established political party.

“The two of us are running as independents. We will not be joining any party,” he added.

Poe, who consistently topped voter’s preference and popularity rating surveys, said, she also saw no problem being an independent candidate.