IRM reiterates support to proposed federalism

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos reiterated her support to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s move for federalism and urged fellow local chief executives to follow closely the developments towards a possible shift in the federal government system.

She expressed support to federalism during her address before the 5th Uhay Festival in Munoz City, Nueva Ecija last weekend.

She pointed out that development should be spreading outwards from “Imperial Manila” and concentrating more on Mindanao and other areas of the country, “Subalit sa kabila nito, kailangang pag-isipan natin yung matitinding isyu, katulad ng local budgeting.

“Baka naman mas magulo kung regional pa yung pera ng Syudad ng Muñoz o ng Ilocos Norte. Kailangang pag-usapan kung sino ang kukuha ng taxes, anong dahilan, paanong mare-release.”
In addition, she stressed the importance of the proper organization of police forces and levels or scopes of authority.

“Tayo sa baba, sa lokal, abalang-abala rin, kasi in the end, tayo rin ang makikinabang.”

Governor Marcos was attending the 5th Uhay Festival, a tradition of the country’s “Science City” which aims to enrich culture, strengthen spiritual roots, and promote economic growth.

She also thanked the people of Muñoz for their support to her brother former Senator Bongbong Marcos during the last national elections. “Nagpapasalamat naman kami sa inyong lahat. Dito sa syudad ninyo, Vice President siya, eighty percent (80%), siya ang panalo.”

Her brother lost (due to alleged massive poll fraud) to Leni Robredo, now the sitting vice president. However, Bongbong filed an election protest, which is now pending before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

“Para sa akin, itong pagbisita namin dito ay parang sentimental journey dahil noong panahon ng papa ko, pabalikbalik kami sa Muñoz at talagang bilib na bilib siya dahil laging Most Outstanding ang Munoz sa Agricultural Research sa iba’t-ibang binhi, at mechanization ng agrikultura.

“Maraming salamat sa pag-anyaya ninyo. Ang Muñoz City ay mahal na mahal ng aming pamilya Marcos.” she concluded.