The Shift to Federal: A Dialogues with Local Government Leaders and Millennials

TALAB 2018 is the annual Alternative Learning Class Program of the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools. With its theme “Down from the Hill”, the Ateneo School of Government, through the Ateneo Policy Center, in partnership with Ateneo Law School, organized a forum which contributed to the ongoing discourse on the shift to federalism.
 
“4 Governors and the F-Word: A Frank Discussion on Federalism” was held last October 6, 2018. The forum, through a question-and-answer format, aimed to encourage the youth to discuss issues on federalism, local governance, and charter change with prominent experts – provincial chief executives. It featured their experiences in the grassroots and perspective on the proposal as practitioners of governance that are often overlooked in academic discussions on federalism.
 
The panel was comprised of Former Gov. Victor E. Agbayani of Pangasinan (1998-2007), former Vice Governor Willie B. Villarama of Bulacan (1972-1980), and former Governor Jose D. Lina, Jr. of Laguna (1995-2001). Mr. Christian Esguerra of ABS- CBN served as the moderator of the discussion.

Mr. Esguerra opened the forum by asking the speakers on their view on the Bayanihan Federalism Draft Constitution, the draft proposed by the Consultative Committee tasked to review the 1987 Constitution by President Duterte. Former Gov. Agbayani shared that the current Local Government Code of 1991 already provides autonomy to local government units (LGUs). He said that the promise of federalism to decentralize “Imperial Manila” and empower the LGUs could be done simply through the enactment of a law.

Former Gov. Lina also shared his sentiments regarding the Bayanihan Federalism Draft Constitution. While agreeing to Gov. Agbayani’s sentiments, he also added that placing the LGUs under the control of the regional government is a very radical change for the country. Gov. Lina said that doing this could create political tension between LGUs since they need to compete in terms of seats and budget allocation in the proposed Regional Assembly. With the added bureaucracy, Gov. Agbayani also said that this could result into a slower response from LGUs in delivering basic services to their constituents.

The governors all agreed that the draft constitution contains commendable provisions. However, they said that surgical amendments, compared to a complete overhaul, to the constitution is a more viable option. Aside from the costly shift to a federal form of government, the former governors also raised practical issues such as the possible layoff of local employees.
 
Former Vice Gov. Villarama advocated for the election of competent government officials instead. He said that the citizens, especially the younger generation, should learn how to choose their leaders properly. He even encouraged the youth to use and maximize social media to educate themselves when it comes to electing the country’s leaders.

When asked about enacting an anti- dynasty bill, Vice Gov. Villarama said that electoral reform is necessary. However, passing an anti- dynasty law would not ensure the elimination of political dynasties. He emphasized that educating the voters to vote for competent leaders is more important. In Vice. Gov. Villarama’s words, “Ang solusyon sa ating problema ay wala sa EDSA, kundi nasa balota”. Gov. Agbayani also said that giving additional resources to regional governments does not ensure the empowerment of the regions if they are in the hands of the wrong type of leader.
 
Gov. Lina suggested that instead of shifting to a federal government, the administration could look into strengthening the regional development councils (RDCs) instead. The RDCs, comprised of the different LGU officials, heads of regional offices, and representatives from the private sector and civil society, could plan and decide what is best for the LGU.
 
To close the discussion, the governors encouraged the youth to become educated voters and to vote for competent, God-fearing, and compassionate leaders.

The discussion was followed by an open forum.