Go backs call for shift to federalism

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has expressed support for calls to shift the country’s system of governance to federalism to promote more equitable regional development throughout the country.

As this would entail an amendment to the Constitution, Go is also supporting calls for some changes to the Charter, which he described as “remarkable” but which contains some provisions that are either outdated or are no longer helping the country “grow and advance alongside today’s most pressing concerns.”

Go believes that the country’s development would be a lot faster under a federal government because there would be true participation and a decision-making that happens on the ground.

“With federalism, the development will be faster because a larger portion of the local governments’ income from their natural resources will be left to them,” he stressed.

The lawmaker emphasized the need to educate the people about the benefits of shifting to a federal form of government and on the importance of the Constitution.

He added that regions would have greater autonomy and control under federalism, thus giving them the ability to solve their own problems and offer more appropriate and timely solutions.

“Local officials will have more and wider control in resolving their problems. Solutions will be more appropriate because they know the roots and ends of the issues better, they know better, they know the problem from the ground up, right in their areas. And the faster the service will be delivered, the more relieved every Filipino will be,” Go said.

Noting that former president Rodrigo Duterte also shared this vision, Go said that “greater benefits of a stronger local government are ensured and lives of Filipinos are prioritized” under a federal system.

“That is why I am one with our chairman, Sen. Robinhood Padilla, in his call to shift to federalism,” he added.

He noted that federalism would preserve regional liberties by distributing and allocating the powers of government so that one government department or group may not dominate all powers.