Letter To The Editor - Federalism: Our concept
The persistence of massive poverty and underdevelopment and the problems associated with them, makes it difficult to achieve substantial and equitable development.
With a population of some 90 million, the
Thus, if we accept the proposition that the federal system is what the country needs to attain economic security, political stability and equitable distribution of the country’s wealth, then no effort and expense should be spared to put it in place.
Some politicians oppose the concept of federalization. They say that most areas cannot support themselves. This untrue. They say that the funds come from
The truth is that the funds are siphoned from the provinces, amassed in Manila, and then are reallocated on a “tinge” system back to the areas or regions for operational needs, most of them are inadequate, arrive too late, or are woefully short of the region’s needs.
These politicians, most of them now in power, and others who wish to take part in running a government vulnerable to corruption, want to hold and dispense all the money the nation generates.
There are many forms to the federal system, just as there are different styles and systems to the centralized form of government.
Among the leading federations whose features may be adopted are the
What we propose is a federal-presidential form which shall have a nationally elected President and Vice President.
It shall have a federal congress composed of senators elected by voters on the regional level to enact laws for the whole country; and representatives elected by the voters in the congressional districts.
The region (we don’t have to call it 'state') shall be headed by a regional governor and vice governor elected by voters in the component provinces and cities. The provinces and cities shall elect one from each to compose the regional assembly, headed by the regional vice governor.
The province shall continue to be governed by the provincial governor; vice governor and provincial board; the city and municipality by the current set of officials.
In the federal-presidential system envisioned, all elected national, regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay leaders shall serve a term of four years, with one reelection or a total of eight consecutive years service, and all elections shall be synchronized.
This is intended for economy and to encourage the development of a nationwide two-party system. A strong and stable two-party system is condusive to the operation of a federal system.
Moreover, there shall be “block voting” for the President and the Vice President in order to promote party unity and accountability. The Vice President presides over the senate. The election of senators by region will ensure equitable representation of the entire country in the senate.
The present political subdivision may stay, no longer named by numbers but set forth as Ilocandia, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Bicolandia, Southern Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Central Visayas, Waray Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Muslim Mindanao, North Mindanao (as North Carolina); Caraga Region, Metro Davao, Socsargen and South Mindanao (as South Dakota).
Let us now, as a nation, allow ourselves to explore options towards better governance -- one that is closer to the people, responsive and one that will face head-on the problems of corruption and patronage politics; and let the crafting of the new Philippine Constitution hammered out by high-minded individuals specially chosen for the task.
(SGD) Lorenzio M. de la Serna
President, Cebu Federal, Inc.
Convenor,
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