Their rushing resumes
Watch out for TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion)! Expect increase in fuel and the domino effect the fuel hike will have on all other prices and services. Expect the jeepney modernization project, once implemented, to affect fares as well.
Already groups like PISTON are protesting against TRAIN. Expect more protests related to the jeepney modernization project as well.
Was the public involved in the deliberation and decision about TRAIN and the jeepney modernization project? Public consultation and people participation are not part of the governance style of Duterte who abhors critique and dissent.
He and his cohorts assured the people that their proposed salary hike will offset the impending hike in fuel, goods, and services. What about those unemployed? Data shows that "the unemployment rate in the Philippines increased to 5.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 from 4.7 percent a year ago. The number of unemployed persons went up by 148 thousand to 2.19 million while the number of employed fell by 134 thousand to 40.55 million."
With TRAIN, what safety nets can the poor and unemployed expect from Duterte and his cohorts? Remember his angry remarks to PISTON during their nationwide transport strike: "January 1, mag-modernize kayo. Mahirap kayo? Magtiis kayo sa hirap at gutom. Wala akong pakialam." Is that Duterte and his cronies' response to the millions of poor Filipinos who will be adversely affected by TRAIN?
What about Congress? Oh, they are now too busy pushing Federalism and hurrying the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno? Why are they rushing?
Again, in their trademark governance style of abusing their majority status in Congress, the Filipino people have not been informed about their type of Federalism and other details of their proposed charter change. The powerhungry members of Congress have decided that they will decide about the constitution change and shift to Federalism. Again, the Filipino people will not be involved in the deliberation and the decision.
Now is the time for us all to unite and demand participatory governance. Let us require Congress to inform us all about their brand of Federalism they are rushing to approve. Demand for the public dissemination of their proposed system of Federalism, the inclusion and participation of the Filipino people in any charter change. Stay vigilant about the reasons why Congress is rushing Federalism!
If their version of Federalism is the same as the PDPLABAN version, it is clear why they are rushing. Beyond their rhetoric about equalizing resources for all the provinces of this country, examine closely and understand that Federalism will allow officials under the Federal Assembly to stay in office for at least five years, with another five-year extension!
Given their present coercive force, what will prevent the same Congress officials from being the same officials under Federalism? Why the rush?
Because, unsatisfied with their present term of office under the present Constitution, the abusive and corrupt in the present Congress want to stay longer in power! Imagine the same officials deciding on budget and policy for our country and our people not only for five but 10 years maximum!
No more Senate as well under Federalism! NOEL (no elections) is part of their scheme, possibly no barangay elections and definitely no 2019 elections, with Federalism!
Already practiced now, there will be even more no more check and balance with Federalism under a ruling party (of course, Duterte and PDP-Laban)! The sooner they can get rid of Sereno, Sen. Leila de Lima, and other present critics, the better they can smoothly monopolize power and public funds for more years!
Time for us all who care for genuine participatory and transparent, pro-people governance to stand up with our people and God who helps "the powerless against the mighty" (2 Chronicles 14:11).