In line with the ongoing national discourse on federalism, Malacañang reiterated on Thursday, 23 August its commitment to federalism and announced that the government welcomes public feedbacks on the draft federal constitution submitted by the Consultative Committee (ConCom).

“He [PRRD] is fully committed to federalism, but as I said, he welcomes all feedbacks from everyone and we want to make sure of course that federalism will improve our lives. And that’s the primordial importance,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

Roque said in a press briefing that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains fully satisfied and has fully endorsed the work product of the ConCom, and he just wants to have a more reasoned and intelligent discussion on the proposal.

“The Federal Constitution submitted by the 22-member Consultative Committee to review the 1987 Constitution is a very good draft. The government, however, and the ConCom are considering the comments of all stakeholders and are open to improving the draft federal charter,” Roque said.

The Palace spokesperson further said that the President is willing to consider the comments of the people and improve the draft Constitution accordingly before officially transmitting a final version to Congress.

“[I]t’s very important that we have open, frank, candid, and reasoned discussion on the proposed revisions considering the importance of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the land,” he added.

The doors are now open for the public to course through their remarks, suggestions, or concerns regarding the proposal to the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, the Presidential Communications Operations Office, or the Office of the President.

They may send their queries either in writing, through electronic mail, or by personally submitting them to the concerned government offices, Roque cited.

According to Roque, the initiative would coincide with the ongoing road shows and dissemination activities being conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the secretary also called on the government’s economic managers to further articulate their views regarding the proposed shift to federalism to address the apprehensions of some Cabinet members over its economic aspects.

“I think it is also incumbent upon them… to help in the process by coming up with their own suggestions on the roadmap [on] how to get to federalism,” he stated.