Thousands flock to pro-Duterte rally in Davao City

The stage in the freedom rally at Rizal Park, Davao City on February 25, 2017. (Cerilo Ebrano / Photoville International)

DAVAO, Philippines — Aside from gathering at the Quirino Grand Stand, thousands of President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters gathered at Rizal Park in Davao City.

Rally organizers said some 10,000 people took part in the gathering with the title “Defend Our Freedom Against Corruption, Crime and Drugs”.

Some came from Surigao, Cagayan De Oro, Lanao, Cotabato And Zamboanga.

More than 350 Policemen were deployed to guard the security in the gathering in cooperation with 300 soldiers from Task Force Davao and more than 1,000 civilian volunteers.

One of the things supported by the participants at the freedom rally is the implementation of a federal form of government in the country.

Federalism is one of the items campaigned for by President Duterte.

“We are looking for to something that can take us out of poverty and claim true change. The only way to achieve it is by changing the system of government from unitary system to federal system,” said Celso Tizon, national chairman of the Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines (HFMP).

The group asserts that the federal system will greatly help bring about progress to poverty-stricken areas in the country.

They explained that compared with the existing revenue sharing of 80% for national and 20% for local, under the federal system, only 30% will be given to national while 80% goes to the local government.

But the federal movement of the Philippines is hoping that the federal system will be implemented by 2020.

Otherwise, its passage would be difficult especially when presidential election draws near and politicians begin to push their own interests. — Victor Cosare | UNTV News and Rescue

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