Ric Maulion
SOCIAL media through threads and as news portals are being flooded with federalism stories and discussions.
In the discussions, those from mainstream media make more sense than those who don’t show data and facts. And so, many resort to bashing and character assassinations, a familiar defense mechanism among political apologists and trolls. Result: people have become more polarized, confused, unable to comprehend the real intentions or see the political maneuvers for a much bigger and sinister masterplan.
Why worry if the intention is right? Who is afraid to take a leap of faith to federalism? Apparently, this is really a noble idea and long overdue. Yes, but for whom? President Duterte who has been showing his dictatorial tendencies? Or the people, the government vowed to protect and serve? We should be clear on this because people deserve the best.
The idea of federalism was something Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini had thought about. They suggested the division of Philippines into three federal states.
Nene Pimentel’s proposal is 10. I heard him and a Bacolod congressman floating the idea as early as 2008. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo considered this during her presidency but it was strongly opposed. Then in 2016, Duterte, his running mate Alan Peter Cayetano and another vice presidential candidate, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos made federalism as a campaign promise.
Fast forward: President Duterte created the Consultative Committee and named some of its members recently. This was stipulated in EO 10 of 2016. As mandated, the officers of Concom are given six months to study and review 1987 Constitution before presenting result first to Congress and to Duterte later. Fine. If the way is well-paved with good intentions, this might be it. But are we going to take their word hook, line and sinker? Istoryahe!
We have not even made our democracy work. And here we are toying again with a wild idea about another form of governance.
Federalism is today’s juggernaut. The writings on the wall are evident on the ulterior motive of the powers-that-be. They are salivating this early, seeing themselves reaping the benefits for at least 10 years during transition period. Who would not sell his soul to the devil for this?
Truth will set us free ’though. I hope we can go back to the drawing board. Yes, federalism if we must but better be careful. Check political dynasty and feudalism, taxation, foreign equity and many others.
What about empowering the barangays that have long been bastardized by traditional politicians and turned into a home of patronage politics?
Our system has been in place since 1987 via the Constitution, and in 1991 because of the Local Government Code. Get rid of the cobwebs first before ramming down federalism, laced with vested self-interests, down our throat.
Live democracy? Tell that to the marines, Alan Cayetano. The economy might have roared over the past few years, all right. But who controls the economy? You can count them with your fingers.
Ergo, if we have not practiced it, why don’t we just do it right. Enough of the rhetorics that our ambitious politicians are good at. The glaring litanies on the semblance of democracy at work in bicameral Congress where its is a numbers game are reeking with hypocrisy and empty promises.
What we need is to fix first our own backyard and remedy whatever problems we have. Make the system better and functional for the good of the people.
The real danger is there and it is about to blow right before our faces.
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