CANDIDATES in the May 9 national and local elections should take a cue from President Rodrigo Duterte and forget about federalism. Duterte said Filipinos are "not enamored" with the idea of changing the current presidential form of government.

Shifting to a federal system was a centerpiece of Duterte's campaign promises in 2016. He said he believed federalism would bring lasting peace, particularly in strife-torn Mindanao, and prosperity in the country's regions that have long been stricken by poverty.

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