Federalist questions (Part 20)

Aside from the gargantuan cost previously discussed, more financial burdens will certainly confound the Filipino people in the proposed federal government. There are more bodies and institutions proposed by the Consultative Committee. There is under Article X on Constitutional Commissions the creation of a new “Federal Competition Commission” which shall enforce and implement all laws and regulations on competition, including reviewing of proposed mergers and consolidations and acquisitions, joint ventures, etc., composed of one chair and four commissioners.

In Article XI on Federated Regions, a humongous budgetary outlay must be expended as there will be duplication of bureaucracies from federal level to federated regions. In the 16 Federated Regions, the Bangsamoro and Federated Region of the Cordilleras, under Section 3, “The government of the Federated Region shall consist of the Regional Legislature, the Regional Executive, and the Regional Judiciary.” Interestingly, the Regional Governor and Deputy Regional Governor shall be elected as a team “by the majority of the Regional Assembly from among its members” (except Cordillera). A case of fusing the Executive and Legislative powers, discarding the timetested “check and balance” principle in governance. In practical terms, 81 provinces with their respective governors will be downsized to 18 Federated Regions. This means 63 incumbent provincial executives will definitely be out of a job. Hence, could they be gung-ho to seriously support federalism?

Under the same article in letter C, “The Regional Judiciary,” Section 22, “The Regional Assembly shall provide for a Regional Supreme Court, Regional Appellate Court, Regional Trial Courts in component provinces, cities, and municipalities and define their jurisdiction in accordance with the Constitution.” In Article XIII, Sec. 8, a Federal Intergovernmental Commission with a chair and 14 members. Section 10, a Council of Regional Governors. Article XXII Transitory Provision, a Federal Transition Commission. Etc.