Federalism: a way out
In Mr. Orlando P. Carvajal’s column Break Point in SunStar’s Opinion Section (Nov. 3, 2017) titled “No cure –all” he holds that federalism is not the answer to the country’s massive problems. His main concern seems to be: Can federalism limit the power of the political dynasties and Imperial Manila?
After his very accurate analysis of present Philippine society, Mr. Carvajal comes to a defeatist conclusion: “But if federalism is not the answer, why go there?” I say: Filipinos go there because federalism is the only way out of the described calamities.
Filipinos have matured since they have seen the changes under President Duterte. They will vote no more for selfish politicos who distribute filled-in sample ballots with billets attached, destabilizers, pork-barrelers and narco-politicians.
The prospect of a switch to federalism will wake up them from their apathy and motivate them to engage themselves in grassroots politics in the sitios and puroks. Crucial is the creation of principled democratic political movements that can develop into genuine parties.
The PDP-Laban is a socialist party and the only with a democratic program and a vision. The Communist Party of the Philippines also has a program but its vision is to abolish democracy and to install a one-party dictatorship. The remaining political parties are all unprincipled personality voting clubs of aristocrats. They easily change party affiliation.
Existing movements in RP are the urban poor, the farmers’ associations, the religious movements, women’s initiatives, unions, student’s fraternities and sororities and other sector-based clubs. They must unite and form mass parties.
They will organize meetings, determine leaders in discussions and upgrade their knowledge, oratory and competency in seminars. They will delegate out of their midst the candidates to run for elective office under their party name and not as independent personalities. That permits a radical simplification of the elections and thus eliminate election fraud. One or two election decisions on the ballot (cross or check mark) will result in the seat distribution in parliament that corresponds exactly to the electorates will.
The way to more democracy is a dynamic process. Now as federalism is looming large, is the right time to dare more democracy for the benefit of society. The organized common citizens must fight for it against the dynastic law-makers who will try to keep legislating for their vested interests even under a federal system.
Filipinos must accept the Federal Constitution as proposed by Congress in the prescribed referendum but not consider it as final and valid for eternity. Their representatives in the then federal parliament will improve and amend it as soon as flaws and weaknesses become evident.
Crucial for the functioning of Federalism is a strong central Federal Government in the Federal Capital (not Manila and not Davao). The present Senate is unable to perform that function. The states shall delegate elected state parliamentarians to the Federal Council who will guaranty the integrity of the nation.
Federalism is the answer, Filipinos, go there!--Erich Wannemacher, an active grassroots party member of the Federal Republic of Germany