PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is expected to be the guest of honor and speaker of the two-day national convention of the Hugpong Pederalismo ng Pilipinas, a movement that pushes for a federal form of government in the Philippines, on September 9 and 10 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Dumaguete-based lawyer Joel Obar, national chair of the Hugpong Pederalismo, confirmed Thursday that the President has accepted the invitation to the national convention.
So far, there is no advise of changes in the September 9 activity and since the program came from Davao, “I am taking it as a confirmation (of the President’s visit) until changed,” said Obar.
The opening program on September 9 will include an ecumenical prayer by the different churches such as from the Catholic, Muslim and Christian faiths.
Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo will give the opening remarks, while Governor Roel Degamo will deliver his welcome address.
Secretary Peter Laviña will introduce President Duterte, the guest of honor and keynote speaker, during the opening.
A number of key resource speakers have also been invited to the national convention on federalism, said Obar.
They include former senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel to speak on “The Difference Between the Unitary System and Federal System of government”; Secretary Manny Piñol of the Department of Agriculture, on “The Social Benefits of a Federal System of Government”; and lawyer Ismael Sueno, secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, to discuss “The Advantages of Federal System Towards Local Government Units.”
Workshops will be held on the second day of the convention on how to bring federalism to the grassroots, how to prepare for the constitutional convention, and the preparation and drafting of a manifesto on federalism.
A plenary for the workshop reports and the signing of the manifesto will highlight the closing of this two-day activity, said Obar.
He said it was not yet clear whether President Duterte will be staying overnight in Dumaguete City or departing on the same day.
The activity will be held at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental.
A motorcade has been scheduled in the afternoon of September 8 prior to the formal two-day convention, Obar added. (PNA)