There are voices in the Philippine discussion about federalism who predict a disaster if ever a federalist system is established.

I am afraid they are right. As a German, I strongly believe in the advantages of a federal system for a huge, multi-ethnic island archipelago like the Philippines. But a federal government structure is a complex entity that needs sound democratic fundamentals to work for the benefit of the ordinary citizens. Without inclusive democratic participation, it will be controlled by the traditional oligarchic elites and will lead to powerful regional dynasties, using their dominance to oppress the people and to put themselves above the rule of law.

“Ugly.” That was how Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto described federalism as a proposed form of government for the Philippines.

“Dagdag bureaucracy, dagdag red tape, dagdag taxes, dagdag gastos lang yan (It’s additional bureaucracy, additional red tape, additional taxes and additional expenses),” he said during an INQ&A interview on Tuesday.

Except for the so-called “oligarchs” based in the National Capital Region, I am positive that most Filipinos agree with President Duterte that it is about time we decapitated “Imperial Manila.” Too many decisions about the welfare of the regions are being made by Manila-based politicians and government officials who are often ignorant of the real circumstances of the masses outside the NCR, especially in the predominantly rural territories.

 

It is a healthy sign of democracy that the proposed shift to federalism for our government is facing fundamental questions as to how being a nation of federal states will affect our national life.

Is federalism an urgent need for our country? It is, if you are not from Metro Manila or Central Luzon or Calabarzon – the areas benefiting from our current unitarism, or the very same government structure imposed by our colonizers over five centuries ago. Who wants to let go of a good thing?

The Centrist Democracy Political Institute (CDPI) successfully held its sixth Federalism conference in Puerto Prinsesa Palawan last August 18 (Thursday) with about 135 participants from various institutions joining the discussion.

Part 3 of 3

Before the time Candidate Digong came forward with a genius strategy of going for the Presidency with his “urong-sulong,” “now you see him, now you don’t” campaign approach, only a few people have really heard of federalism. I suspected Manila voters were at first indifferent to the idea.

MANILA – Former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. on Wednesday said that under the federal system of government, the powers of the Executive Department over local government units (LGUs), particularly by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), will be abolished.

“Yes it will be dissolved (eventually),” said Pimentel, a prime mover of federalism in the country even long before the idea was broached by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The first part of this three-column series discussed the four preconditions to a less painful, sustainable and successful shift to federalism. As I have previously said, revising the 1987 Constitution needs a FRAMEWORK, a step-by step process, a roadmap, so we won’t be lost even after the end of President Digong’s term.

“The CDP must come first in policy debates and must have a clear position as a political party.”

Prof. Malou Tiquia of Publicus Asia graces as a guest speaker on Political Messaging to active members of the Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines as it pursues its campaign on Federal-Parliamentary system of government for the Philippines last August 9-10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Part 1 of 3

There are no clearer marching orders given to Congress than the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte in his recent SONA that the Philippines should adopt a federal-parliamentary government modeled after France, with a “strong” President. Federalism was a major rallying cry for then presidential candidate Digong (the other was peace and order). We are looking at a leader who is keeping his word.