Community and nation building

INDEED, it takes a lot of growing before the tree reaches the sky. And yes, it takes years to grow a child, in the same token that it takes time for a community and nation, to know and understand their Constitution.

Some may not care at all and would not have any sense about what the Constitution is all about. Take any 10 Filipinos on the street and asked them if they have any idea about the Preamble of the Philippine Constitution? Would they even know what the Constitution is and how it affects them?

And now here comes the proposed shift to federalism from a unitary form of government, and Mocha Uson’s “i-pepe-i-dedepederalismo” video material, supposedly to promote it. What do the framers of the proposed federal constitution say? And the public?

Before we proceed, let me be clear about how I appreciate this government’s initiative to change the Revolutionary Constitution of this Republic if it will encourage the majority of its citizens to have a basic knowledge of their Constitution and the form of government that rules over them.

That essentially highlights, in my view, what the framers of the Federal Constitution want. That we all encourage an enlightened discussion of the pros and cons of a unitary versus a federal form of government; and to compare the Revolutionary Constitution (current) vs. the proposed Bayanihan Constitution (federal). This is not just a simple matter or contest between “you against us” but an opportunity for enlightenment and participation to choose what laws must govern us, and the form of governance that should deliberate and/or enforce laws that directly affects their lives. Ultimately, the electorate can wisely decide what a good government for them is.

Meanwhile, in spite of the Congressional campaign for federalism, and also the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the public overwhelmingly rejects it for now. That is if the latest social weather surveys done on this national concern is to be believed. Shall we act out of desperation to change what the surveys tell us?

Definitely not! When it comes to the Constitution, the form of government, quality existence and the future of their children, the Filipino public must really know and understand what it is rejecting or agreeing to. No, we do not need Mocha to inform and educate us, if all she does is to enrich the discussion with “bullshit,” as one Senator said. We need people who understand governance, Philippine history, lawyers, development workers, housewives, drivers, actors, actresses, anyone, Filipinos even Mocha, who have read and understood the Revolutionary and/or the Bayanihan Constitution to speak up and debate the issues wisely.

Obviously, that takes time and effort. Meanwhile, like what it did for the Bangsamoro Law, we are awaiting the national government to also pass the House Bill No. 5343 or "An Act Establishing the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera" signed by all CAR congressmen.

If it was any good sign, I just congratulated our Regional Development Council-Cordillera (RDC-CAR), and the National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera, (NEDA-CAR), Cordillera Governors, Vice Governors, LGU officials, non-government organization (NGO) representatives and others for their presence and support to the successful staging of the Cordillera Autonomy Leaders’ Forum with members of the Upper House in Manila last August 11, 2018.

The meeting is organized by OPAPP, the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) in coordination with the RDC-CAR and the