Malacanang open to CAR autonomy under federal set-up

February 5, 2018 Metro BLISTT

Malacanang said it remains open in supporting the highland region’s bid for autonomy, though under a federal set-up.
The President is carefully studying it and is open to the sentiments of Cordillerans, Presidential spokesman Herminio Roque assured during the opening of the 23rd edition of the Baguio Flower Festival at the Baguio Athletic Bowl. 
Cordillerans’ hopes that CAR autonomy would be included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July last year as promised was doused with the Chief Executive’s silence.
Even as political leaders and autonomy movers earlier met with the President in Malacanang and reportedly got Pre. Duterte’s nod to make House Bill 5343 as a priority bill.
Likening the Bangsamoro Basic Law within a Federal State, Roque said, “I am sure Cordillera autonomy will be considered.” ACE ALEGRE / ABN