Speaker, senators to discuss Cha-cha for federalism

MANILA, Philippines – Speaker Prospero Nograles will discuss with Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and other senators their proposal to amend the Constitution to transform the Philippines into a federation of 11 states.

“I will meet with Senator Pimentel (next week) to discuss this matter because this federal system of government is close to my heart as a Mindanaoan leader, and I’m sure most of the leaders in Mindanao will agree that we have long clamored for it,” he said.

Nograles, who hails from Davao City, said he wants to “explore” with Pimentel “possible areas of cooperation” on condition that any amendment to the Constitution must be implemented after President Arroyo’s term ends in 2010.

“It’s a pleasant surprise because the Senate has a long history of opposing any move to amend the Constitution,” he said.

Nograles said the intention of the senators to push for Charter change would now erase the impression that it is a ploy of administration allies to extend the term of Mrs. Arroyo.

“I’m also glad that this came from the Senate and filed by Minority Leader Pimentel, signed by almost all the minority and opposition, so we won’t be doubted that we are doing this in order to extend the term of the President, at least this didn’t come from us,” he said.

On the other hand, Valenzuela Rep. Rex Gatchalian said while the senators’ efforts to install a federalist government are commendable, the government should see to it that having more than 24 senators can be sustained by the country’s financial resources.

“I believe we should spread out economic growth in the countryside, but let’s study its practicality first,” he said.

Gatchalian said each senator receives P200 million every year in pork barrel funds, and increasing the number to 35 (based on proposed 11 more regional senators) would mean additional cost for the government.

However, Gatchalian said he is open to amending the Constitution to give way to a federal system of government, as manifested by 12 senators in a joint resolution.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Pimentel’s move to transform the Philippines into a federal state is nothing new because it was already take up during the time of President Fidel Ramos.

“Federalism was something that we were looking at already as part of the entire process of creating autonomous regions,” he said. “We already had CAR (Cordillera Autonomous Region) and other autonomous region in Mindanao.”

Puno said the move towards federalism stopped for a while during the time of  President Joseph Estrada.

“I think Senator Pimentel is very justified in pursuing federalism now,” he said.    – With Cecille Suerte Felipe