By Manny Piñol
Palawan Governor Jose “Pepito” Alvarez, saying that people of the island province sometimes feel that they are not part of the Philippines, today expressed his support for Federalism during the opening of the Federalism Summit in Puerto Princesa City today.
“It is sad to say that sometimes the island of Palawan is not even included in the feather forecast. Sabi ko sa kanila, isama nyo naman kami sa weather forecast,” he lamented earning a roar of approval from about 300 sectoral leaders for the Federalism Summit which will have Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte as the main speaker.
Local government officials, including mayors and vice mayors of the different towns of Palawan, including the island municipality of Kalayaan.
Alvarez said he looks at Federalism as the hope of the island-province to get its fair share of the national wealth that it richly deserves.
Duterte’s flight to Puerto Princesa last night was cancelled due to poor visibility. He is expected to arrive in the city after lunch today.
Admitting that his knowledge about Federalism is limited, Gov. Alvarez said he would like to listen to the speakers during today’s summit.
Among those who will speak today are former press secretary Jesus G. Dureza, Bicol Autonomy Movement head Dante Jimenez and myself.
The Palawan sortie is part of the second leg of the “Listening Tour” started by Mayor Duterte in Butuan City last week aimed at continuing his advocacy on Federalism while at the same time feeling the pulse of the people who have been asking him to run for President.
Duterte has also visited Zamboanga City, Cebu City, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija.
A scheduled trip to Pagadian Jan. 26 was cancelled after Duterte’s plane failed to land because of Zero Visibility.
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