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Press Release
August 4, 2016
0
News
Thursday,
August 4
Pa
ngilinan
urges
Duterte
to
upgrade
antiquat
ed
justice
system
in
response
to
killings,
files
resolutio
n to
convene
JJELACC
S
enator
Gatchalia
n
Commen
ds
Duterte
for
Prioritizin
g ROTC
Revival
Le
garda
Lauds
Enactme
nt of
Integrate
d History
Act
G
atchalian
: Senate
Energy
Committ
ee to
Investiga
te Power
Price
Rigging
Pi
mentel
father
and son
open
federalis
m
informati
on drive
Tr
anscript
of
Ambush
Interview
of Senate
President
Aquilino
"Koko"
Pimentel
Ke
ynote
Speech
by Hon.
Senate
President
Aquilino
"Koko"
Pimentel
III during
the
Senate
Centenni
al
Lecture
Series
Pa
ngilinan
supports
DSWD
plan to
give 40kg rice
bags to
CCT
beneficia
ries
B
am seeks
to help
graduate
s secure
jobs
through
Trabaho
Centers
R
ecto: PH
jails
packed 4
times
their
capacity;
Digong
urged to
free sick,
old
prisoners
news
archives...
France is not a federal state. That is the French system. But what model do
we pattern our proposal for the change in the form and system of
government? I propose that we adopt the best features of the
governments in Europe, North America, Australia and even Malaysia and
adapt them to our needs. We should not also close your eyes to the newly
emerging federations in South America and Africa. I am sure that their
experiences will be a big help in crafting a federal government responsive
to our needs.
Since under the federal system we will be empowering our local
governments, we need provide them the needed resources to be able to
fulfill their mandate. Towards this end, we propose to increase the revenue
share of local governments to as high as 70-80% of all government
revenue. This is consistent with our belief that local governments deserve
a bigger share of government resources since they are in a better position
to address the needs of their constituents. To address the reality that not
all states have the same resources and financial standing, there shall be
an equalization fund administered by the federal government which shall
be made available to states states should they need assistance.
Thus, we must act now. There is no time to lose. If we want to speed up
progress and economic development and lay the basis for a just and
lasting peace in Mindanao, we must go federal.
Towards this end President Duterte has tasked PDP Laban to take the
lead in advocating for a federal system of government in our country. In
compliance thereto, the party convened our leaders from across the
country in a Conference on Federalism and Charter Change to consult
them about moving forward in building a Federal Republic. We have also
convened Study Groups composed of experts, scholars, and practitioners
to help us craft our party position.
Federalism's complex nature demands careful study. Scholars contend
that there is not one model in the world that fits all. Each country must
discern its own version of federalism according to peculiar conditions of
their societies. Therefore, it is important to learn from the experiences whether good or bad - of existing federations.
We do not see federalism to be the cure-all to all our problems. In fact,
there is no cure-all to all our nation's ill. Federalism is not a perfect system;
but it may be the answer to the country's lingering problems rooted in our
country's multi-cultural nature. Maybe it is time to recognize the Filipino
identity as a "diversity of identities" and not one single monolithic artificial
construct. I submit that it is the recognition of differences that make
communities prepared to embrace a common identity with others.
In the end, federalism is not the only step after devolution but it is the
next logical step, if the Philippines chooses to further decentralize. And
since we should, the decision should be well-informed, well-thought of, and
participatory. In the ultimate analysis, federalism is a covenant that is
made by citizens, and ultimately the decision to federalize should reflect
the will of the people who choose to unite amidst their diversity.
Thank you.