‘CEBU CAN STAND ON ITS OWN’

While they all say a lengthy discussion on federalism still needs to be done, Cebu’s business leaders believe Cebu can support itself under a federal form of government

Business leaders believe Cebu can stand on its own should the shift to a federal form of government push through.

“While I do have my reservations about federalism, I would prefer that Cebu stands alone. Otherwise, we may end up subsidizing the other provinces,” said Gordon Alan Joseph, president of Cebu Business Club.

He added he sees no real advantages in being in a group with more provinces.

President Rodrigo Duterte received last Monday the final draft of the proposed federal charter from the Consultative Committee (Con-Com).

At the ceremony, Con-Com chairman, retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, assured that they came up with a “pro-poor Constitution.”

Presidential Legislative Liaison Secretary Adelino Sitoy proposed that Cebu become a lone federal state if a new constitution is approved.

He noted that under the draft constitution, Negros Oriental and Siquijor are being earmarked for a separate federated region with Negros Occidental, leaving just Cebu and Bohol under Central Visayas.

He proposed that Bohol be placed under Eastern Visayas instead to give it a “fighting chance” with provinces similar in size and population while Cebu becomes a separate federated region on its own.

He added that joining Cebu and Bohol would give the region an “undue advantage” as both provinces have their own international airports.

While saying he has not completely studied the proposed federal setup, Stanley Go, president of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said Cebu, being a progressive province, will reap benefits, particularly in the area of infrastructure.

Cebu is one of the top tax contributors to the national government but Go noted that investments from the national government to Cebu do not follow, despite its huge contribution.

“I believe that infrastructure investments to Cebu would definitely go up, once Cebu becomes a lone federal state,” said Go.

However, despite the potential gains for Cebu, business leaders said the shift to a federal form government needs careful study. Joseph said such moves require long discussion.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Antonio Chiu agrees.

“The issue of federalism needs very careful study and CCCI is not yet in a position to give an opinion. However, in order to guide the business sector to better appreciate the different issues involved, CCCI will be sponsoring a forum on federalism at the proper time where the issues for and against will be discussed,” he said.

If Cebu becomes a lone federal state, it would get benefits such as having two Senate seats and its own regional assembly.

The federal constitution proposed by the Con-Com was designed to “build a permanent and indissoluble nation.” The draft federal constitution will establish 18 federated regions, including the Bangsamoro and the federation region of the Cordillera, that will be headed by a regional legislature, a regional executive, and a regional judiciary.

Duterte is expected to turn over the draft federal charter to Congress on July 23, during his State of the Nation Address.

While I do have my reservations about federalism, I would prefer that Cebu stands alone. Otherwise, we may end up subsidizing the other provinces. GORDON ALAN JOSEPH

Cebu Business Club