Let federalism, ‘Cha-cha’ debates begin – Angara

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said yesterday lawmakers in the 17th Congress should start debates on federalism and charter change early to avoid negative perceptions on the proposals frontloaded by the incoming Duterte administration.

Angara said that since presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte is determined to push for federalism, lawmakers should start deliberations on the measure to give the public sufficient time to adjust to a new form of government.

Angara said he too is open to federalism but acknowledged the need to know what provisions would be included in the proposal and how the Duterte administration would decentralize power in the different regions.

“I’m not an expert in federalism because I’m used to our current unitary form of government where power is centralized in the President,” Angara said in a DZBB interview Sunday.

“But the principle of federalism, devolving even the finances, I’m okay with that because I’ve seen how even our province of Aurora is having difficulty getting financial assistance from the government,” the senator pointed out.

“As far as I can see, federalism gives hope to other provinces to have equal access to government funds and resources,” he said.

But since federalism would entail Charter change, Angara said it is better for Congress to deliberate on the proposals as early as possible, or possibly on the first or second year of the Duterte administration.

“Yes, we can start the debate by then, what kind or shape the state should be in and how the power should be distributed in different levels of government,” he said.

Convene LEDAC

Early, says Win

In a related development, Senatorelect Win Gatchalian is proposing the early convening of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council to “formulate a game plan for the fair distribution of the benefits of economic growth.”

Gatchalian, outgoing congressman of Valenzuela City, noted that the Philippines has posted a first quarter gross domestic produt that has reached 6.9 percent, overtaking some of its prosperous neigbors like China, 6.7 percent; Vietnam, 5.5 ercent, Indonesia, 4.9 percent and Malaysia 4.2 percent.

The new senator said the the numbers coming from the National Economic and Development Authority is a clear indication of economic growth that should be exploited to help the poor.

The LEDAC has been rarely consulted during the tenure of outgoing president Benigno Aquino III.

Gatchalian said convening the LEDAC early is a wise move on the part of the incoming Chief Executive.

“It would be wise for President Rody to convene the LEDAC once the cabinet posts are filled and the 17th Congress begins in order to coordinate efforts by the executive and legislative branches in eradicating poverty and making economic growth truly inclusive,” said Gatchalian, who currently serves as a Valenzuela City congressman. (With a report from Ben Rosario)