Benitez: Federalism ‘Running Against Time’ Due To Heavy Congressional Agenda
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
November 23, 2017
Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez said, with both chambers of Congress currently handling several pending bills, along with impeachment proceedings for Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, the time frame to discuss the transition to federalism continues to dwindle.
Speaking to members of the media at the House of Representatives in Metro Manila, he said pending bills, including those on the death penalty and tax reform, must be acted upon, which has resulted in, as the congressman characterized, the move towards federalism “running against time.”
Benitez earlier expressed optimism on the schedule regarding the transition, saying it would be implemented by 2022, when the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte ends.
Meanwhile, on reported sugar smuggling taking place in the country, Benitez said the Sugar Regulatory Administration needs to strictly implement Sugar Order No. 3, which regulates the importation of sugar and other sweeteners./DGB, WDJ