The Philippines’ vice-president has joined a chorus of opposition to a possible cancellation of mid-term elections and extensions to terms in office, including that of the president, amid a renewed push for a shift to federalism.  She urged the administration to clearly explain to the public its campaign to change the form of government to a federal system amid fears it could be used to prolong President Duterte’s stay in power. The President, who has long advocated for a federal Philippines thinks most Filipinos not ready for federal form of government and has created a consultative committee to study amendments of the 1987 Constitution, a necessary step in the shift to federalism.