Federalism a Trojan horse – bishop

The proposed federal form of government being pushed by President Duterte is a “Trojan horse,” a ranking prelate said yesterday.

Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the federal system of government only serves as a smokescreen for Duterte to take total control of the country.

Pabillo likened the plan to change the present Constitution to a Trojan horse, concealing its true agenda and would only lead to the downfall of the country.

“Duterte is presenting federalism as the magic wand to bring about prosperity to the whole country. This claim is at best dubious. But the way to bring about federalism is the change of the present Constitution, Cha-cha (Charter change), in short,” Pabillo said.

“I see that federalism as the Trojan horse, the smokescreen in order to bring about Cha-cha, which is the formula for total control of the country. It is a control that is backed up by the new constitution they are proposing. We do not yet know this new constitution but knowing the people who are behind this – Duterte and his minions – and knowing who will craft this – the present Congress convened as constitutional assembly – we can already guess where this is heading. It will spell disaster to the Filipinos,” he added.

While the 1987 Constitution is not perfect and needs to be improved, Pabillo said Filipinos should still say no to the maneuvers for Charter change at this time in the country’s history.

Pabillo said it is not the right time to amend the Constitution because the atmosphere in the country is not conducive to critical participation. There is a culture of fear and bullying promoted by Duterte, he said.

Also, those behind Cha-cha wanted the plebiscite to be done this year, thus there would be no transparency, proper consultation and discussion.

“There is a strong suspicion that the haste is to avoid the election of 2019 so that those in office can remain,” Pabillo said.

Duterte, he said, is out for power, citing past promises to resign such as if traffic in Metro Manila is not solved in three months, if job contractualization is not resolved in six months and if the illegal drugs problem is not stopped in six months.

“He did not keep his word and continues to be the President,” he said. “So it is difficult to believe that he would keep his word this time around.”

The bishop also noted the House of Representatives is no longer independent.