Is the Philippines ready for Federalism? Senator Pimentel has introduced Senate Resolution No. 10 which envisioned the creation of 11 federal states. I am personally for federalism but I think all Filipinos should also be consulted as to whether they are in favor of it. It is not a perfect form of government so I think there should be consultations and information dissemination in the community level so that the people can make their choice.
The 11 federal states to be created would be: Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Minparom(Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon), Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and the State of Bangsamoro.
The decentralization of power will hopefully bring the much-needed development to the Philippine countryside. Local leaders will now have more access to local resources whereas in the current system, those who are close to the administration are favored with the use of the country’s resources. The proponents also hoped that this system of government will be the solution to the insurgency problem especially in Mindanao. I personally doubt this last sentence but let’s not close our doors to federalism.
It’s not the answer to all our woes but I think the federal system will be less prone to abuse. Although, it is still the kind of people in position who will determines the fate of a province or region. No matter what kind of system we have if the politicians who will be in position are corrupt, you will still get a corrupt government. If the move for Charter Change is just a ploy to make something unconstitutional like the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity legal then we should be greatly concerned. Let’s all be vigilant since a Charter Change may be used by those in power for their own selfish advantage.
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I think we should go ahead and try this. I understand the concern with poorer regions. But this is their advantage:
1. They can decide for themselves which sectors in their local economy they can develop.
2. They can copy the examples of provinces that are relatively similar to them but is faring better in the economic aspect.
For the rest of the country, we dont have to be affected when other provinces puts a criminal or incompetent leaders to our Congress.
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