Filipinos believe federalism won't solve their problems, Drilon says

The rising number of Filipinos opposed to amending the Constitution only shows that people do not see charter change and federalism as the solution to the problems of hunger, poverty, unemployment and lawlessness, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon.

Drilon said this as he urged Congress "to heed the will of the people by prioritizing legislation that would address various pressing issues such as poverty and unemployment instead of talking about a term extension."

"The survey must serve as a wake-up call for the administration and the proponents of federalism in Congress that what the people want is a real solution to the problems that confront them daily," Drilon said.

"This is what the Congress should prioritize, not term extension to justify a shift to a federal system," he added.

In a latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia, 64% of Filipinos are against amending the Constitution, with Balance Luzon registering a strongest opposition at 75%, followed by Mindanao at 65%, the Visayas at 60%, and the National Capital Region at 54%.

"If we were to submit the Charter change to the people for ratification today, it only means people won't ratify it and Charter change is dead," Drilon said.

"I do not see the figures changing in favor of Charter change or federalism unless the government and the Congress intensify their efforts to provide solutions to the country's problems," Drilon stressed.

Instead of railroading the process of amending the 1987 Constitution, Drilon said Congress should prioritize the passage of measures to address the issue of ' endo' or labor-only contracting, expand health and social protection coverage, among others.