Federalism is not the answer

Ever since former President Corazon Aquino restored democracy to the Philippines after People Power and the downfall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, it seems that all the succeeding leaders want to do is take back the power from the people. There are term restraints for a reason – and power should not be limitless. If a president does a good job it is the mandate of the government that follows to keep up the good work. It is through this system that we are ensured that no one person (or no one group of people) will have power forever and end up abusing it. In the end, that’s the beauty of the democratic system.

For all his faults I believe that former president Noynoy Aquino believed in this system. When his term was up he stepped down and retired to a more quiet life post presidency. Which isn’t to say that the controversy has died down. There are still many focused on dragging him through the gauntlet of accusations and etc. In a way, perhaps that’s why those in power wish to stay there – in that way they will never have to answer for their actions as a civilian.

I believe in the saying “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” After all, there is a freedom in knowing that you won’t be held accountable for your actions. The lure of power is being able to do whatever you want whenever you want and for some reason that is how people view politics in our country. To be in a position of power means that you can get out of accountability when the reverse should actually be true. People in power or in the government should be held to a higher standard of accountability – but alas, that is never the case in the Philippines.

If you look back at our recent political history it makes sense that leaders would begin to be fearful as their terms near the end. It’s much like seeing the sharks smelling blood and beginning to circle. Once presidents have stepped down it’s almost immediate that the accusations and the lawsuits begin. Things they did, things they didn’t do. Without the protection of the position suddenly they are vulnerable. And many – if not all – of them don’t want that. How many of our past leaders have flirted with the option of changing the Constitution for their own benefit? To extend their terms? To grant them more political power? How many times have we been on the brink of losing the Constitutional protection term limits provide? And not just for our president, but also for other positions like Senators and lawmakers.

That is where we find ourselves once again today. I still believe in President Rodrigo Duterte’s honesty and integrity and his promise of bringing his government closer to the people – all the people. I believe in his good intentions of wanting to eradicate crime and drugs and corruption and instill a more accountable government. I want to believe that he feels he can still make the streets safer for Filipino citizens and truly bring about change. I want to continue to give him the benefit of the doubt.

However, it is truly becoming difficult to see the forest through the trees. President Duterte has promised so much and has not been able to deliver. Understandably politics is difficult and there are many things that are easier said than done, but for all that has happened since the president rose to power what has actually changed in the country? What has actually improved? Drugs are still rampant, there is even more death on the streets, and corruption is still everywhere. In some cases it’s even worse than before.

And it’s not solely on the president too, but on the shoulders of those in his government. Why would we want to extend the terms of this same group of men and women who have failed to live up to their mandate and are instead focused on finding ways to stay in position? It seems almost laughable if it weren’t a frightening reality. Indeed the burning issue now is the move to repeal the three branches of government into a federal system. I have already voiced my disapproval of this type of government for the Philippines and I reiterate that position now. This is not the answer to our problems. If anything so many people in power should be removed as opposed to be allowed to stay in their positions longer.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is pushing hard for a federal government. Those in his camp “claim” that it is only through this form of government that real changes can be made because the approval process for various pro-people projects will be faster and there will be less red tape. Does he actually expect people to believe this? After everything this administration has promised and all the bold statements it has made over the past year, now – all of a sudden – this is the only way they will be able to get their projects off the ground? How gullible does he think people are?

Not to mention he and those who agree with him are pushing for this shift to federalism via Charter Change (Cha-cha) through Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) instead of Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). He claims that is because the government will save money and resources by doing it this way. But if you look more closely you’ll see who will benefit from Con-Ass vs. Con-Con. In a Con-Con representatives from all districts in the country are elected to dissect the existing constitutions for needed changes. This means electing impartial delegates to look for potential changes. In a Con-Ass it’s the sitting lawmakers themselves who serve as delegates. In other words – the sitting lawmakers will decide what changes need to be made. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the flaw in this. If you give a person in power the chance to extend his term what do you think he will do?

If this weren’t obvious enough Speaker Alvarez is also pushing to skip the 2019 elections extending the term of the 12 senators whose terms are expiring from 2019 to 2022. He claims this is necessary if the government pushes through with the Con-Ass and potential shift to federalism. Again, another suspect claim. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez has said that that should the shift to federalism happen it would still be possible with the 2019 elections happening as planned. The polls should not be cancelled because that is depriving the people of their Constitutional right to select their own leaders through free and fair elections.

At this point, I think it’s important we remain vigilant. We should not take our rights for granted because it seems that at any moment they could be taken away from us.