The Debate on Federal Philippines continues in Cagayan de Oro City

In partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Xavier University, the Ateneo School of Government, through the Ateneo Policy Center, organized a forum titled “Debate on Federal Philippines: Examining the Economic, Social, and Political Viability of Federalism in the Philippines” on August 17, 2018 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. The forum featured prominent experts on decentralization, federalism, and governance.
 
In his welcome remarks, Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, President of the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, emphasized the role of educational institutions as hubs for conversation and consensus, where the public can argue and discuss the key issues surrounding the proposed shift to federalism. He encouraged the participants to engage and examine carefully the costs and benefits of the proposal by critically looking into evidence-based inquiry and research.

The first session commenced with an elaboration of the rationale and features of the proposed federal constitution. Prof. John Robert Go of the University of the Philippines Political Science Department presented the advantages anddisadvantages of federalism through the experience of other countries. His talk highlighted the unique and customizable feature of federalism, that is highly dependent on cultural diversity, geographical complexities, political situation, and external threats.

Atty. Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, Non-Resident Research Fellow of the Ateneo School of Government, continued the discussion by encouraging every citizen to deeply reflect on the 1987 Constitution and actively participate in the dialogues. He said that it is essential for the public to start reflecting on the aspirations of our current Constitution, emphasizing that only around 25% of our citizens are familiar with the document.  Revisiting the writings of Apolinario Mabini, Atty. Yusingco also argued that in order to truly build a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, charter change and federalism must stem from a people’s movement. This can only be achieved with the active participation of the public in the process.

Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel led the second session by delving into the details of the Bayanihan Federalism, the proposed charter drafted by the Consultative Committee. He also reiterated the importance of revisiting the Constitution to align with the needs of the constituents. He suggested that ideally, the Congress must reevaluate the Constitution every 5 years. He further underscored that change is evolutionary in a democratic society.

Representatives from different groups shared their reactions on the issues and concerns discussed by the speakers.

Former Senator Jose Lina Jr. pointed out that the Local Government Code of 1991 already includes provisions that give power to local government to promote the welfare of their local constituents. He shared that strengthening the autonomy of the local government through proper devolution of funds to the local government and accelerating the social and economic development of the regions are among the necessary changes needed to facilitate inclusive growth in the country. With these alternative reforms, he emphasized that the amendment of the 1987 Constitution will not be necessary. 
 
Mr. Charlito Manlupig, Chairperson of the Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc., read a short statement carrying the group’s stand on the proposed Federal Constitution. The statement affirmed that federalism can create and offer more space for people and communities to improve. They maintained how it could bring the government closer to the people. However, they cautioned that consolidation of power to a few group with vested interests could give rise to dictatorship. They encouraged genuine dialogue and inclusive participation of the people in the process of amending the constitution.

Finally, Dr. Stefan Jost, the Country Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines, concluded the event by echoing that federalism requires broad consensus.  It should not be tackled only by one person or group with certain political knowledge. It must be open for discussions.  Dr. Jost ended the forum by leaving an important question for every Filipino, “Is the country ready for Federalism?”

                               Photos                                           Presentations