Duterte links his exit to federation dream

President moots plan to change the administration to federal form of governance

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reiterated his plan to step down from the presidency once his term ends and a federal form of administration is in place.

“The time for federalism has come for our country. We have to move away from the style of unitary government,” Duterte said on Saturday evening in Davao City, while addressing Muslim community leaders.

“We’re just trying to perfect everything and if you want a new leader during the transition you can provide for that in the law itself … and I would be happy to step down,” the president said.

Duterte’s six-year term in office ends in 2022 and it is projected that, by that time, all the requisites needed for the smooth transition towards a federal form of administration, including holding a plebiscite, will be in place.

The president had said he wants to leave a legacy and be remembered as the leader who led the transition of the country from the present presidential-unicameral to a parliamentary-federal form of governance.

Duterte likewise dismissed speculation that the reason he was favouring federalism and the transition towards that form of administration was so the he could prolong his hold on power.

“Accusations that I want to extend my hold on power are garbage,” he said.

“The sole reason why I am holding out is because I do not want trouble,” he added, while pointing out that he was elected in May 2016 to serve for six years as president.

Duterte had earlier formed a panel of experts, the Consultative Committee (Concom) to review the 1987 Constitution.

Accusations that I want to extend my hold on power are garbage. The sole reason why I am holding out is because I do not want trouble.”

Rodrigo Duterte | Philippine president

‘Federalism Roadshow’

The president has said he wants the form of administration in the country changed to federalism to better spread out development.

Meanwhile, Interior Assistant Secretary and Spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the “Federalism Roadshow” is slated to kick off and tour the country starting June 17 in Dumaguete City in Central Philippines.