LETTER TO THE EDITOR - The proposed "Visayas Republic" vis-à-vis the parliamentary form of government

Upon my arrival in the Philippines almost six years ago, I heard a proposal for Cebu to secede from the Philippines as an independent nation. I'd no quarrel with it other than that secession could be a bloody one.

When the "Visayas Republic" was proposed a few days ago, I thought it was more plausible since it's formed from among the "Visayan" region that is bound by a common history, common culture, and similar languages. Besides, with Cebu in the center of its struggle, it brings to the "Republic" a rich culture, education, influence and above all, a high financial resource that is far better than Imperial Manila and the rest of the country.

Many people do not really like to be called "Filipinos" these days because of its historic ties to Spain, the former colonial master. As a "Visayas Republic" its citizens can now really call themselves with a "native" name. And that name is no other than "Visayan." Yes, the Visayans were once a member of the powerful "Sri-Visayan Empire" that ruled most of what is now Southeast Asia.

With the provinces of the Visayan region in unison, there's no other area that can par with them, namely: Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Antique, etc. So enticing is the proposal that even Tagalog-speaking Palawan signed the so-called "manifesto" of the governors of these provinces save one, Gov. Daza.

How will the new Republic be installed? It's very easy. Let there be a "Balkanization" of the Philippines. This I mean a "secession" similar to the Yugoslavian Republic that now consisting of Serbia and Montenegro.

The withdrawal of the Visayan region from the Philippines need only five elements necessary to form an "independent" republic, namely: 1) A defined territory; 2) Population; 3) An organized government; 4) Sovereignty or independence; 5) Recognition by an "independent" third party state. When the United States of America proclaimed its independence from Great Britain, it took only one independent nation, namely, Morocco, to recognize the new USA, and by so doing, it became a "fully independent" nation of the world. I've no doubts in my mind that once the new "Visayas Republic" is proclaimed an independent nation, many nations are ready to extend their recognition because it's a highly viable future country.

As to the Parliamentary form of government, this is wishful thinking. The proponents of this plan of government have mostly "selfish vested interests." They believe that the change from the present presidential to the parliamentary form of government will cure the ills of the nation. No way! It's not the laws that are a problem in the Philippines. It's the people themselves. Corruption is innately not only in the minds and hearts of most corrupt officials but also even in their dreams for a better life. It's not changing laws or the form of government that will enhance the Philippines. Our politicians want the laws to follow and obey them. This is a mockery of the concept of the "per legem terrae" or the "rule of law"

There are several forms of parliamentary government. No one has ever mentioned this to the people because the proponents themselves do not really know what they're talking about.

Is it the French model where the President of the Republic is elected by the people and appoints the "Prime Minister" who, in turn, will form the government? The Prime Minister is handpicked by the president even if he's not a member of parliament such as PM Villepin currently of France. Or is it the Israeli system whereby the President holds "nominal" functions without political powers? In the Israeli system, the prime minister is chosen from the majority party in the Knesset (Parliament) and wields the powers of government. Does anybody know about PM Sharon?

Then, there's the "mother of parliament" model which is Great Britain. In this system, it's the Queen who is the "head" of State; there's no president either. The prime minister is chosen from the majority party in parliament. Thus, PM Blair continues to be prime minister after the recent elections because he himself won in the election and therefore is the sure prime minister of the United Kingdom. Then, there's of course, the Russian Federation model, which is a marriage between that of France and maybe Britain except that they don't have a monarch. What does former President Ramos want in order for the President of the Philippines make her inglorious exit from Malacañang? The Visayan people are interested to know.

Dr. Jose Lucero Bonpua, Jr.
President, CEO
The Museum of Sacred Art, Inc.
888 Calle San Jose Oslob, Cebu 6025