Press Release
December 15, 2017

Duterte calls on party mates to lead the way to Federalism

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday declared that his party mates in the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) should lead the charge in promoting Federalism in the country.

Duterte, who is also the Party Chairman of PDP Laban, made the comment during his speech at the PDP Laban Christmas Benefit Dinner for Marawi at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

"It will be a disaster... it is a disaster kung hindi PDP Laban ang magdala. But kung ang PDP mag-dala [it is] because we want to preserve my duty and their duty to their country is to protect the Filipino and maintain and preserve the Republic of the Philippines," said Duterte.

Touching on the topic of Martial Law, Duterte said the best way to stop the spread of Islamic extremism is to fulfill his campaign promise to shift to a federal system of government.

"The best way really for PDP... is to fulfill the campaign promise", said Duterte.

Duterte said the aim of the PDP Laban "is really to get a consensus" on what particular federal structure is best fitted for the country.

Aside from federalism, the chief executive also urged his party mates to lead his campaign against corrupt government officials and vowed that he will not spare anyone who will be proven doing anomalous act in his administration.

"Now, mabuti't nandito tayo. PDP is growing big. I welcome the members there... pero itong atin, I'm just pointing out how our idealism should move forward sa PDP. Otherwise, if we do not stop this thing, corruption, mahirap 'to," said Duterte.

That same night, the Senate under the leadership of Senate President and Party President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III ratified the bicameral report on the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, or TRAIN, bill, which is aimed at funding Build, Build, Build and the social service programs of the government.

Pimentel also presided over the Senate passage of the joint resolution increasing the base pay of military and uniformed personnel, another campaign promise of President Duterte, during the same session.

Around 2,000 PDP Laban members attended the party's fund-raising Christmas Dinner to help in the reconstruction of Marawi City.

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