Philippine lawmakers move toward switch to federal system of government
Rodrigo Duterte
The switch to a federal system was one of the key planks of  President Rodrigo Duterteâs election campaign   aimed to remedy what  he  saw as neglect by a Manila-centric political establishment that has left provinces in perpetual poverty.
The push to change the constitution has been a divisive issue  with critics accusing lawmakers of trying to prolong their stay in office  or of seeking a way for  Duterte  to stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022.
 Duterte  has made clear  he  has no desire to stay longer than  his  term and  if anything  would prefer to retire earlier.
Lawmakers have yet to decide on what federal model to adopt  Mercado said.  Duterte âs preference is for one similar to that of France.
The switch to a federal system was one of the key planks of  President  [TGT] âs election campaign   aimed to remedy what  he  saw as neglect by a Manila-centric political establishment that has left provinces in perpetual poverty.
The push to change the constitution has been a divisive issue  with critics accusing lawmakers of trying to prolong their stay in office  or of seeking a way for  Duterte  to stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022.
 Duterte  has made clear  he  has no desire to stay longer than  his  term and  if anything  would prefer to retire earlier.
Lawmakers have yet to decide on what federal model to adopt  Mercado said.  Duterte âs preference is for one similar to that of France.