JDV sees federalism to end Mindanao rebellion

Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. wants the Philippines to adopt the unicameral, parliamentary federal system of government to end the separatist rebellion in Mindanao.

In a talk in Forum on Federations (FOF) at the Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati yesterday, De Venecia said federalism is a "safeguard against separatism."

De Venecia said separatist rebellions had led Congress to set up the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Shifting to a parliamentary form of government is something the Philippines should seriously consider, he added.

De Venecia said the country is slowly moving towards parliamentary federalism as the matter is continuously being discussed and studied by both houses of Congress.

The pro-administration Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party is committed to a unicameral, parliamentary federal system, which is supported by a majority of Filipinos, he added.

De Venecia said federalism will not work wonders overnight since it would be impossible to give autonomy to each of the country’s various regions, provinces, cities and municipalities.

Uneven development among regions must first be resolved to allow each of them to shine, he added.

It would be wrong to assume that officials based in Metro Manila would know by the letter the needs and concerns of residents of far-flung towns, De Venecia said.

On the other hand. Robert Rae, FOF chairman, said federalism simply means giving a significant degree of autonomy to states within a particular country.

When basic services are not being delivered and tax-paying citizens see corruption and inefficiency, federalism will give them a chance for better governance, he added.

During the forum, De Venecia and Rae discussed with Canadian Ambassador Peter Sutherland how federalism would work in the Philippines.

They were also joined by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Quezon City Councilor Julian Coseteng, former Negros Oriental congressman Mike Romero, Kalayaan College president Jose Abueva and former Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Naomi Saludo. — Michael Punongbayan