Federalism

in the
Philippines

“AN AGENDA FOR EMPOWERED

GOVERNANCE; INCLUSIVE
GROWTH AND COUNTRYSIDE
DEVELOPMENT.”
 What is Federalism?

A system of government under

which a significant government
powers are shared between the
Federal and Regional / State
Governments.

http://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/dilg-reports-resources-2017323_186ace8e39.pdf
 How Federalism works?

The autonomous states are even further

divided into local government units. They
will have the main responsibility over
developing their local industries, public
health and safety, education,
transportation, and culture. These states
have more power over their finances,
policies, development plans, and laws.
What are the advantages of
Federalism?

and
Why is it
Attractive
to
Filipinos?
States are empowered to make their
own decisions.
They no longer need to rely on the central government to
decide for them.

Advantages of Federalism
States shall keep more of their income
to themselves.
They do not have to rely on collecting real estate tax
and business permit fees - 80% of their total earned
income stays, while only 20% goes back to the
national government. Within the 80% budget that
remains with these states, 30% will be funneled to the
local state government, and 70% will be allocated to
the provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays.

Advantages of Federalism
Promote specialization and competition.
Since the national government turned certain administrative
powers over to the regional governments, it can now funnel
its resources more intensively towards the issues it is
assigned to, such as foreign policy and nationwide defense.
Likewise, the states are now better able to nurture their
individual strengths and selling points because the people
who have the decisions and funding are the people who are
personally involved in the state's development.

Advantages of Federalism
What
are
the
disadvantages

of
A
Federated
Philippines?
Overlaps in jurisdiction.
Unless responsibilities of state governments and
national governments are very clearly stated in the
amended Constitution, there will be ambiguities that
can lead to conflict and confusion.

Disadvantages of a Federated Philippines

It will bring more division than
unity in the Philippines.
It can arise from more than just increased hostility
between ethnic groups - competition between states
can quickly become unhealthy, and can lead to the
existing regionalism that is currently challenging the
unity of the country.

Disadvantages of a Federated Philippines

Development of the states in a federal
form of government might not even
work at all.
Some states may not be as gifted or as ready for
autonomy as others. A major concern is that while some
states may progress faster, the converse is also true
because other states may devolve faster as well - even
more so without a national government to back them up.
However, in some federal countries, the national
government provides funds to help underdeveloped
states. A proposed Equalization Fund will use part of the
tax from rich states for the funding of poorer states.

Disadvantages of a Federated Philippines

 Reasons
that
we
should
promote

FEDERALISM
http://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/dilg-reports-resources-2017323_186ace8e39.pdf
Will promote Economic prosperity in
the region and provide incentives for
Filipinos to Live and Work outside
Metro Manila. Investors may also
decide to put up their businesses by
setting up the right policies.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

Equalization Fund will provide more
funding support for regions in need
to accelerate their development and
progress.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

 Feasible Solution To The Mindanao
Issues- The creation of the Bangsamoro
Regional Government within Federalist
System will address concerns of our
Muslim Brothers and Sisters who crave
more autonomy over the Government
and Administration of Muslim Mindanao.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

Decentralization and Devolution of
Powers. More Power are
Decentralized and Devolved to Local
Governments.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

 With a strong Political System
Dynasties will became irrelevant
Political Leaders will become more
accountable. No more excuse or delays
in services or projects , constituents are
not forced to ask assistance from the
rich in exchange for services and
allegiance.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

 Local government can only collect real
estate taxes and business permit fees. In
Federalism they can retain most of their
revenue income collection and use them
on programs and policies according to
their needs and create enough
opportunities for upward socio-economic
mobility.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

Political dynasties will no longer have
the ability to pass the buck to the
national government and blame it for
why their region is poor.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

Regions will remain poor if its leaders
are lousy and unable to set up pro-
business economic policies that will
create enough economic
opportunities for the people.

Reasons why we should promote Federalism

Proposed
Change
in the
Form
of
Government

“From Unitary to full Federal-

Parliamentary form of government.”
 PROPOSED REGIONAL /
STATE GOVERNMENTS

There shall be as many Federal

Regions as there are as many
Techno Linguistic Groups.
Cordillera, Bangsamoro and other
Autonomous territories for
Indigenous Peoples will also be
included provided that they satisfy
the requirement as provided by
the constitution
LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
UNITS

Shall form part of the Regional

Government / State Government
 THE
JUDICIARY

There shall be a Federal Supreme Court and each

Regions will have its own State Supreme Courts
and adopt its own Judicial System.
T
 Constitutional Revisions not
I later than 2018
M  Ratified Federal Regions
E June 2020
T  Unitary to Federal
A Government Transition
B January 2022
 Philippine Federal Republic
L
June 2022
E
 FEDERALISM

In the long term, the ultimate solution

to the chronic problems haunting our
country is Federalism. The Federal
system of government is the key to
achieving national peace and economic
prosperity in a diverse society such as
ours with 18 regions, 81 provinces, 144
cities, 1490 municipalities and 42,026
barangays.
 WHY DO WE NEED TO SHIFT FROM UNITARY
TO FEDERAL-PARLIAMENTARY FORM OF
GOVERNMENT

• Existing problem of our country remain unsolved.

• Criminality situation has become worst.
• Rampant illegal drug trades that destroy the future of
our children.
• Prolonged conflict with the leftist and rightist groups.
• Ang katiwalian ay nakapanghihimsgsik nang kalooban
 WHY DO WE NEED TO SHIFT FROM UNITARY
TO FEDERAL-PARLIAMENTARY FORM OF
GOVERNMENT

• Widespread graft and corruption in all levels of the

government.
• Strong dependence to live in Imperial Manila that
remain the center of power and commerce.
• Unbalanced development between Manila and the
regions.
• Rampant Tax Evasion and Tax avoidance.
WHY DO WE NEED TO SHIFT FROM UNITARY
TO FEDERAL-PARLIAMENTARY FORM OF
GOVERNMENT

• Favored preference to selected “special”

political party mates. Increasing inequity in
socio economic status.
HOW
WILL
POWER
AND
RESOURCES
BE
DIVIDED
BETWEEN
FEDERAL
AND
REGIONAL
GOVERNMENTS?
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

• National Security
• Civil, Political, Intellectual Property and Human
Rights
• Foreign Relations
• National Elections
• External Trades
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

• Citizenship
• Currency Management /Monetary System
Minting and Coinage
• Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Extradition and
National Diplomacy
• Supreme Court
REGIONAL GOVERNMENT
• Regional Elections
• Regional Supreme Courts and Regional Trial
Courts
• Licensure of Public Utilities
• Administration and Enforcement of Regional
Laws
• Regional Socio Economic Planning
• Regional Finance
• Regional Infrastructures
 SHARED POWERS OF FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT AND REGIONAL
GOVERNMENTS

• Health
• Education
• Environment
• Social Welfare
• Energy
• Tourism
• Peace and Order
 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OPERATES
UNDER

• One Federal Constitution

• One Armed Forces
• One Flag
• One Central Bank
• One Monetary Board
• One Emblem
 COUNTRIES WHICH ARE UNDERDEVELOPED
AND HAVE NOT BENEFITED FROM A
FEDERAL FROM OF GOVERNMENT:

• (UNITARY SYSTEM)
• Lebanon
• Bangladesh
• Philippines
• Afghanistan
• Khazakstan
COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE BEEN PROGRESSIVE
BECAUSE OF THE SHIFT TO FEDERAL FORM OF
GOVERNMENT:

• Austria
• Germany
• Canada
• United States
• Australia
 HOW WILL FEDERALISM HELP THE
COUNTRY

Establishing Powerful Economic Regions the

Center of Powers, Finance and Development
throughout the country.

Local Empowerment allow all regions to self

determination as to address their own problems
based on their own geographic, cultural, social and
economic conditions.
References :
http://www.iag.org.ph/index.php/blog/1503-
the-pdp-laban-model-of-ph-federalism-an-
executive-summary

www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/reports_resources/dil
g-reports-resources-2017323_186ace8e39.pdf
Love of country, subordination
of personal interests to the
common good, concern and
care for the helpless and the
impoverished - these are
among the lost and faded
values that we seek to recover
and revitalize as we
commence our journey
towards a better Philippines.

PRESIDENT

RODRIGO DUTERTE
Thank YOU!