Federalism is the long-term goal of President Duterte. I have taken it up twice. On June 5 (Federalism 101), I explained the basics of the federal system, with the intention of stimulating public debate. The following Sunday, June 12 (Federalism 102), the five most debated aspects of this system were listed. Today, let me discuss how the system can be instituted.

“Change is coming!” is the battle cry of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. A cornerstone of that change is his proposed shift to the federal system. He passionately believes that only federalism can finally solve the “Imperial Manila” lament of our Southern brethren, and the centuries-old armed conflict in Mindanao. However, he did not give details of his federalist concept.