BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental vice governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson believes that shifting to a federal form of government any time this year is “not [yet] the right time.”
Lacson stressed that the country is not yet ready for this governmental system change, especially that there is a midterm election in May.
The vice governor said more time is needed to present and study all proposals concerning the shift.
Proponents of such shift must reach out more to the grassroots and explain why a federal form of government is advantageous for them, added Lacson.
If the proponents would justify the federal governmental shift in terms of revenue sharing, Lacson maintained his stand that a “simple amendment” in the Constitution would be enough.
Moreover, Lacson said it would be better if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would be passed first before amending the Constitution.
He said by approving the BBL – which would create a federal-like state – government officials will have a gauge on what “will work best for the country.”
Lacson also welcomed Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marñon Jr.’s move inviting members of the Constitutional Committee to come to the province to conduct a series of dialogues or consultations among local stakeholders.
If the proponents really want to push the shift this year, Lacson said they must do it after the midterm elections to remove doubts that they are only playing it to their advantage./PN
