Let’s get one point across. The road to federalism is paved with good intentions. There should be no question about that. President Duterte is serious about it and wants to deliver on this one campaign promise.
The members of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) which drafted the proposed federal constitution headed by former Chief Justice Reynato
Puno are all well qualified, honorable individuals imbued with good intentions. While some of the political leaders and parties, the NGOs, POs and other organizations who have put up camp for federalism may have some things in their minds, the fact is they want President Duterte’s campaign promise realized within his term.
So, if the critics really believe, as most of them have been wont in saying as they try to waylay this initiative, that our present system is cracking and needs to be repaired, rehabilitated or altogether scrapped in favor of a better one suited for the 21st century and in accord with our traditions, then they should come out with solid, irrefutable arguments against this proposal instead of dwelling on the peripherals and the personal.
Think Mocha Uson and the “pepe,dede, pederalismo” and cry. If this is the only argument that the critics can think of in dumping any kind of discussions on federalism, then they do not deserve any kind of attention at all. In fact, they should be exposed and opposed for having such hypocritical, contrived posturing. Get real, guys.
How can they argue against President Duterte’s desire to reform, rehabilitate if not altogether scrap the system we have today which is, let’s be truthful about it, democracy in form only and one which has been pinpointed as a huge roadblock to the country’s development.
For all the brickbats thrown at PRRD, nobody can question his reasons for trying to do something about the political system we are presently locked into specially since our so-called democracy has been subverted no end by such a rotten, automated electoral system in the hands of a highly politicized and, might I add, monetized COMELEC.
Having been in public service for four decades, President Duterte has seen and experienced the drawbacks of our present presidential system.
Foremost among these is the highly centralized decision-making process in almost all aspects of governance leading to concentration of powers in the
Malacañang occupant. Just check the annual budgetary allocations, per sector and region, and you will understand why the outliers, as some people have come to describe regions outside of Metro Manila and its influenced regions, i.e. Regions 3 and 4, have been banging the doors and even raising arms just to get a fair share of the national wealth.
And, of course, with such concentration of government powers, can development be far behind? Just check the Forbes list of Filipino ultra billionaires and the sectors they are involved in and you will know why governance and business concentration have become such inseparable twins. This, to the utter disappointment and cries of the vast majority of our people who have yet to be lifted out of their dire situation despite their toiling for decades on end.
This is why “Imperial Manila” has become such a dirty phrase, almost synonymous to paralysis in governance. It has, in a very real sense, become the go-to cover up reason for all the failures in governance in this benighted land. So, why should we allow ourselves to be stuck with such a system?
That logjam is what President Duterte and the federalistas would like to untie so that democracy and development may bloom.
I am not suggest that we should just fold our arms and sing hosannas to the proposed federal regime. Far from it. Even as we grant that the road to federalism is paved with good intentions, we have to be extra cautious and ensure that the realities on the ground are not bulldozed and simply ignored altogether. We have to admit good intentions are not enough to overcome the obstacles such a dramatic shift brings. There are valid issues and concerns which should be addressed transparently, objectively and responsibly.
For one, the financial and economic considerations. Mr. Duterte’s economic managers have pointed out that the shift carries potential risks. That should be a given. In this regard, the cost of unifying Germany after the collapse of the Berlin Wall can be instructive. Brexit and the cost of separation which involved more countries in the recent past and which can actually happen to us with this shift can also be helpful in letting our people have informed choices as we get to seriously debate the issue.
While a number of PRRD’s allies and members of the ConCom have raised hell over the recent statements of the economic managers, foremost being Secretaries Dominguez and Pernia and even Defense Secretary Lorenzana who noted that the ConCom federalism being espoused is a “bit confusing,” they should calm down and debate the matter dispassionately.
Secretary Dominguez has raised the matter of a widening of our budget deficit, possible downgrade of our credit rating, reduced funds for national government and even the loss of jobs of up to 95 percent of public sector workers. He cited in particular the “ambiguous and unclear fiscal provisions” in the ConCom draft.
Secretary Pernia said that while the shift may unlock a number of economic benefits, it could also spell disaster for regions which are not prepared for it and “wreak havoc on the country’s balance sheet.” Well, instead of simply rebuking them for such observations the ConCom and the public should ask them to detail such possible negative repercussions so we can have an informed debate on this very serious concern.
Then, there are concerns about the fate of the provinces and other LGUs. Some governors I have raised their concerns, i.e., the administration set-up including relations with the national government and its agencies and the proposed regional entities and its own set of officials, elected or otherwise. What services, authorities and related arrangements are to be devolved is a clear concern. Then, there is the matter of revenue-raising and -sharing which includes what in their minds is some sort of an “equalization fund” to be given the poorest regions to get them on their feet needs to be looked into as well.
Finally, even as the question of defense, foreign and monetary policy appear to have been clearly spelled out, there remains a number of issues. The police and the judicial processes, for one. Then, the matter of fire, penology and disaster prevention and remediation.
There are also claims that the matter of lending and borrowing as well as securities and corporate governance need to be fleshed out as well.
Indeed, there a hundred and one issues and concerns which need to be discussed and plainly and properly set. To do that will require not only good intentions but all the goodwill, expertise and experience which the entire Filipino nation can provide. So, let the recriminations end and the hard work begin.