Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (File photo)
TAGUM CITY— Calling it as an alternative for Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), presidential bet Rodrigo Duterte’s push for federalism is a “doable vision” which will usher peace and development across the country, especially for Mindanao, according to Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
In a statement on Monday, February 22, PDP-Laban said that with Duterte’s federalism, it will equalize the “great disparity” in terms of government’s tax revenue sharing.
“His Mindanao agenda is not only designed to solve the problem of rebellion and development of Mindanao, but also of the whole country,” Paola Alvarez, spokesperson of PDP-Laban said.
It can be recalled that Duterte has criticized the national government because of its “unequal” distribution of tax shares, noting that imperial Manila gets a big chunk of budget from the national government.
“We have to correct the historical wrong committed against the Moro people,” said Duterte during the debate over the weekend.
Duterte sees federalism as an alternative to “appease the people of Mindanao,” a view shared by his political party. The group said “the central government has become the symbol of the oppression of the Filipinos by the government.”
“The party fully supports Mayor Duterte in his stand to end criminality, drugs and corruption,” said Alvarez. “We believe that his character as a strong leader who is decisive and efficient is the key towards our country’s progress.” (davaotoday.com)
