THE GOVERNMENT is readying to resume its nationwide advocacy campaign on federalism by July when the 18th Congress opens its first regular session, according to Interior Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan E. Malaya. In a phone message to BusinessWorld last Thursday, Mr. Malaya said when asked for an update regarding the campaign: “The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Federalism) plans to resume the advocacy campaign as soon as the new Congress opens its regular session. We are currently meeting on how to scale up the campaign.” President Rodrigo R. Duterte created the IATF in October last year through Memorandum Circular No. 52 to integrate and coordinate efforts for the government’s campaign on federalism and constitutional reform. Malacañang said last Tuesday that a shift to a federal form of government is among its priorities for the 18th Congress that opens its first regular session on July 22. Mr. Malaya said at a forum last month that the IATF has 10 clusters or committees that undertake a series of consultations with members of the consultative committee (ConCom), members of the federalism study group, other federalism experts and advocates, and other stakeholders. The ConCom was formed by the President to review the 1987 Constitution and draft a federal constitution. The clusters are expected to present their reports, including their draft provisions, to the IATF in June for consideration. The interagency body will then submit its consolidated reports to the Office of the President by the third week of June. — Arjay L. Balinbin

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR