BACOLOD City – Local chief executives of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental have expressed their support to amend the Constitution and transform the government into a federal system.
Governor Isidro Zayco said he is supporting the charter change for it is high time that the present system of government will be changed to make the provinces and other cities in the country not to be subjected under the control of “Imperial Manila.”
Once the federal system is pushed through, Zayco would suggest the two provinces of Negros to be included in one region or federal state.
According to Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, there is an immediate need for changing the Constitution.
He said he has been consistent with his stand on the issue since it was introduced several months ago.
Leonardia said the term of three years for a locally elected official is too short and should be extended to four years.
However, he stressed that the provisions of the Constitution that would be amended should be explained to the people first for transparency. It would erase doubts that the move was for the interest of those politicians who want to keep in power after 2010, he said.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Emilio Yulo III said changing the 1987 charter should not be allowed.
“I am very consistent with my stand since I was a board member. I am against any moves of changing the charter,” he said.
Yulo said there should be a massive consultation with different local government units in the country to determine if they support the move to change the present system of government./PN
