Federalism

THIS is the second time that I write about federalism which is a necessary topic for the day. There are two main types. The first is where existing separate entities that want to unite in a federal grouping as in the United States of America and Malaysia. The second is where there is already a nation and it wants to break up into its parts and federate the new parts for better efficiency and service to its people.

It is the second type that is being proposed to us. We already a nation that will be broken up into segments that will then be federated to make the whole again. There are many reasons for this and many bright minds like former Senator Nene Pimentel, Jr. and President Duterte think this is needed.

Pres. Duterte thinks that separating the Muslim brothers could make up for the centuries that they have fought against colonizers. In general, though, the principle is: not to fix anything if it ain’t broke. For me then it might be possible to cut off the Muslim section and make it possible for them to have the advantages that they now enjoy and add to it the joy of deciding for themselves their destiny. The question is whether their citizens are politically savvy enough to make this separation work for the good of the people. I am sure it will be good for the leaders such as the datus and the sultans. One problem is tribalism. Have they grown out of tribalism? The “rido” is one of its effects. It is tribalism from which we have to grow out. Because of this our Muslim brothers are often at each other’s throat.

Tribalism has allowed peoples to survive against the ravages of nature and other tribes. Usually growing up requires growth out of tribalism. It has served its purpose. The more advanced we become, the less of tribalism is needed and from which we need to grow out of. Tribalism has its advantages but as we develop more of individual good is possible. Even granting autonomy to our Muslim brothers may not yet be good for the ordinary Muslim citizen. It will be good for the leaders, the sultans and datus. But I have doubts that it will be good for the ordinary citizens at this time.

The Catalans or at least some of them want independence from the mother country Spain. But many of its thinking people do not agree. And yet they are a very educated group and politically savvy.

Are our Magindanaos, our Badjaos, our Maranaos, and our Tausugs ready to go on their own? The argument will be: when will they be ready? This is a difficult question. They as a people must come up with their answer. Are they better off as autonomous or where they are now as direct members of a nation? They are still going through the transition from tribalism and political ignorance but doing well enough; even if agonizingly slow, into a nation of politically knowledgeable citizens.

The leaders of now Pakistan and Bangladesh, led by Dr. Jinnah, adamantly resisted the entreaties of Gandhi. They may have been right – who knows – but they were separated. Could it have been better without separation from old India? Who knows? Will our Muslim brothers fare better separated, especially when the separation is only partial? Who knows? They have to make this decision. Is prosperity really the criterion for this separation? Or is it something else? Are they being oppressed in the present arrangement? Or is the disadvantage illusory?

Granted that there are good reasons for Muslim separation and federalization, but are the rest of the country also ready for federalization? We may need more political development and savvy for a successful federalization. I understand that there is a successful federalization in Indonesia. And they are not more politically knowledgeable than us, I dare to presume. Can federalism be really a boon for us? I am certain it will be for some political leaders of our country. But will it be good for all the people? Who knows?

In the end my opinion is just my opinion. It can be thrown in with the opinion of others to ask what is best for us. Is federalism good? We need to pray to the Lord to enlighten out minds. My present position is that some form of federalism might be good for our Muslim brothers but not for the rest of the country. Even this Muslim federalization is questionable. The Lord enlighten us.