- Advertisement -

Manny Valdehuesa .

PROPONENTS of federalism cite its alleged benefits as if the same will automatically kick in once the law is enacted. They do not consider the lessons of our history, especially our poor track record in enforcing or complying with the law.

- Advertisement -

Without proof or without academic integrity and credibility, they sound as if they’re proposing a self-evident truth. But they cite no credible evidence, or even studies that it will succeed in our society. They even invoke the fact that it does work in other societies—as if that were proof that it will work in a society like ours with its notorious culture of dynastic rule, impunity, and corruption.

As far as systems go, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all in matters social or political. The experience of other societies cannot be taken as proof that it will work in ours. Nothing can guarantee success for a federal system except demonstrated ability in self-government or autonomy.

The federal system could be the final step to the evolution of autonomy within democratic parameters. But to incubate it in a feudal atmosphere dominated by imperious, corrupt, and greedy dynasties will only spread the virus of oligarchy in artificially created federal states. Besides, this advocacy lacks the elements of social acceptability and demonstrated capability at any level.

There are accounts in early Philippine history of federations functioning in pre-colonial times among Filipinos but they have long been supervened by the monarchical, authoritarian regime of Spain. So the memory of what federated systems existed before is long lost among our people and the idea of a federal system is viewed as exotic today. In any case, the feudal practices of the trapos and dynastic rulers in close to 90% of our provinces militate against the idea and are not likely to change in the foreseeable future.

Federalism hasn’t even been discussed widely, not especially at the community level where consultations are essential. No one even bothers to peer into the practical side of things, such as the record or performance of Filipino communities in the spirit or practice of self-governance.

As for Congress, it has never undertaken a review on the extent of compliance by local governments with respect to the autonomy mandates of the Local Government Code. Without such reviews, what is the basis for claiming that Filipinos are ready for federalism?

In fact Congress has been utterly remiss in complying with the Code’s Section 521—which obligates it to conduct a “Mandatory review every five years of this Code at least once every five years and as often as it may deem necessary, with the primary objective of providing a more responsive and accountable local government structure.

Having failed in its statutory obligation to refine this dysfunctional autonomy law by reviewing its provisions every five years, it is pure effrontery for congressmen to ask Filipinos to take a leap of faith and adopt the federal system. They can’t even hack it with simple autonomy!

The reality is, neither the bureaucracy nor the constituency today is positioned for self-governance—especially at the most elemental level, in the barangay.

And let’s be clear about this: those who insist on the federal system now, mostly notorious opportunists, will be the principal beneficiaries of this reckless political adventurism. If federalism is adopted, they will still dominate the political and economic system as the people grope their way around the new system.

Such a radical shift involving the entire society cannot be based on theoretical expectations about its merits (which are debatable), on faith that it will work here as it does in other places, and certainly not on wishful thinking.

Its proponents shouldn’t be so presumptuous as to think that what they propose is also what the people want. Where’s the proof that members of Congress have consulted their constituents (their Bosses)? Do they have clearance or approval to engage in this advocacy? Have surveys been made?

Any attempt to change the present system should take account of three factors: 1) our political record and experience in self-governance as a society, 2) our sensibilities, behavioral habits, or cultural values as a people, and 3) consent of the governed!

 

(Manny Valdehuesa Jr. is a former Unesco regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; awardee, PPI-Unicef outstanding columnist. He is chairman/convenor of the Gising Barangay Movement Inc.. E-mail: valdehuesa@gmail.com)

Disclaimer

Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

- Advertisement -