Duterte: Federalism, alternative to BBL
THE outspoken Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came to Dagupan swinging from the left field to the right in his colorful language, and left a message for Pangasineneses to ponder – Federalism is an option for the government if no compromise is reached on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to avert the resumption of war in Mindanao.
Speaking before the cluster meeting of the Rotary Clubs at Le Duc Hotel in Dagupan City, Duterte said with what happened at Mamasapano in Maguindanao, the situation calls for care and caution.
Duterte was introduced to the Rotarians by Dr. Gonzalo Duque, LNU president.
The Davao mayor admitted that the Muslims are angry especially over the recent statement of the President calling on Congress to do whatever it wants, but pass the BBL.
He described it as a defeatist and escapist attitude,” even as he pointed out that “if there is war, we in Mindanao will suffer most “.
Duterte who is now going around the country to raise awareness on the need to establish a federalism type of government to prevent war and save the country and people.
“Do no entertain (the idea) that we will win a war there (Mindanao). Talo tayong lahat (We all will lose”), he said, warning that in case of war, “our country will be dismembered.”
Federalism, he said, is what the Filipino people need and would advise its adoption to whoever will succeed Pres. Benigno Aquino III.
Asked if he is running for President, Duterte said, “I’m taking myself out of the loop because “wala talaga akong pera”, noting that a national campaign for President could cost from P10 to P15 billion.
However, before the LNU students, he said he would be willing to run as an alternative candidate “to save the country.”
“Federalism, if it is not embraced with passion by the President, will fail,” he added, saying that he might support the person who might embrace federalism whether it is Mar Roxas, Jejomar Binay or Chiz Escudero.
Insisting that federalism is a formula that is acceptable to all, including Muslims, the Davao mayor said “federalism is our fall back position” in case BBL is not passed.
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