Del Mar urges LGUs to fight for federalism

Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar (north dist.) yesterday rallied local government officials to speak out and fight for the proposed change of the country's form of government, from presidential to federalism.

Speaking before the Regional Development Council composed mostly of LGU officials, Del Mar said that now is the opportune time to press Congress to heed the call of President Gloria Arroyo to put the country into federalism. Del Mar, who is also the deputy speaker, openly declared his support to convert Congress into a constituent assembly that would undertake the process of changing the form of government.

However, the power of persuasion of LGU leaders over the legislators is needed, said Del Mar. "If the LGUs could pressure the Senate, I think the Senate would accede," he said.

"There are 236 congressmen and only 3/4 of them is needed to amend the Constitution. If you could persuade, make your efforts felt by the Senate. I hope the governors and mayors here would be active," Del Mar said.

Negros Oriental Governor George Arnaiz, who is also the RDC chairman, and Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said they also favor federalism, which empowers other provinces to run their affairs apart from the central government.

Arnaiz also revealed that, this Wednesday, the senators would meet governors from all provinces at an undisclosed venue where Charter Change and federalism would be among the expected topics to be discussed. During last Friday's meeting of the RDC, development planners of the region were asked to present their arguments in adopting a federal form of government in the country.

RDC development administration committee chairman Valeriano "Bobbit" Avila said he favors placing the country under federalism in a parliamentary system. He said the stand of the RDC members on the matter is vital because the council could become a branch of the parliament once such form of government is eventually adopted.

He said the council could suggest what form of government the country should adopt-unicameral, bicameral or parliament--then on how the country's resources should be shared, how revenue generation should be implemented, among others.

Arroyo has been batting for a new form of government contending that the country's current "political system has degenerated to such an extent that it is very difficult to move within the system with hands totally untainted."

She had proposed for a constitutional convention to set the transition from the presidential system to a federal republic with a parliamentary system. - Wenna A. Berondo