Germany, Switzerland, US to attend talks on federalism

MANILA, Philippines - Representatives from Switzerland, Germany, the US and other nations with federal governments will attend the roundtable discussions set by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan as the Duterte administration steps up its campaign for a shift to federalism.

Jose Antonio Goitia, PDP-Laban policy study group head, said at least six roundtable discussions have been set, with the first to be held on Aug. 4 at the Executive House of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The activity would be attended by representatives of Switzerland and Germany, which have “vast experience in federalism,” he added.

Goitia said they are exploring several pathways in the shift from the presidential to a federal system of government, including the issuance of executive orders, constitutional convention and people’s initiative.

They see political dynasties and unequal development among the possible stumbling blocks, he added.

Delegates from the US and Spain would join the Aug. 18 discussion, while those from Canada and Australia are scheduled for Sept. 8, Goitia said.

The Malaysian and Indian delegates would join on Sept. 22, while those from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Venezuela would attend the one slated for Oct. 6.

The last discussion is set on Oct. 27 with representatives from South Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Discussions will focus on the goal of the government’s system towards a successful implementation of decentralization, effective and efficient service delivery, reasonable and equitable wealth sharing, and representation through an effective selection of leaders, participation, identity and diversity.

Power-sharing schemes, accountable decision-making and effective governance or administration – including fiscal management, taxation and economic growth – will also be tackled.

It would also look into the internal revenue allotment system and inter-local development in relation to the country’s archipelagic character, natural resources and diverse culture.

Advocates of federalism believe that a shift to this system could promote inclusion, economic prosperity and even peace in local governments, especially in the proposed Bangsamoro region.

The formation of federal states in the country may promote a kind of government that is “more responsive and closer” to its constituents, former deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar told a press forum yesterday.

He quoted federalism advocate and professor Lito Lorenzana as saying that two principles behind these ideal kinds of government could be achieved by federalism.

“First is autonomy, wherein federal states can have more of their own powers to govern their respective constituencies,” he said.

“Second is subsidiarity, wherein the quality of government improves while making it more accessible to the people.”

Olivar said local federal state officials can handle a majority of revenues from government collections.

“These officials will now focus on improving their states, and since they are closer to their constituents, later they will be held responsible for whatever decisions and actions they make,” he said. – Giovanni Nilles, Ghio Ong