FEDERALISM

A Presentation by DR. DANTE V. LIBAN

PRRD - PEOPLES NATIONAL
MOVEMENT FOR FEDERALISM, INC.
• It is a social movement committed to vigorously work for the transformation of our present
government from a unitary, highly centralized national government into a federal form of
government;
• PRRD - PENAMFED invites every patriotic Filipino, regardless of political affiliation or political
color, religious preferences, cultural and ethnic orientation and historical experiences, to join our
crusade for real change;
• PRRD - PENAMFED’S core members belong to PRRD-DILG, a mass-based, multi-sectoral and
regional movement which played a strategic and triumphant role in the election of the
“Probinsyano”, as the 16th President of our Republic, government worker Rodrigo Roa Duterte;
• PRRD - PENAMFED, as a movement, is essentially non-political, and it does not belong to any
political party;
• PRRD - PENAMFED is fully committed in supporting Pres. Duterte’s publicly avowed shift from
unitary government to a more democratic federal republic, of which the essential attributes are
SELF RULE, SHARED RULE and SHARED GOVERNANCE
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
BETWEEN DILG AND PRRD - PENAMFED
• PRRD - PENAMFED is the only federalism advocacy group which
successfully entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the
Department of Interior and Local Government. Local Government
Secretary Ismael D. Sueno and PENAMFED President, Dr. Dante Ventura
Liban signed the MOA on July 20, 2016;
• DILG officially extends its assistance and support to PENAMFED and
endorses the undertaking to local government units by making available
resources in support of the conduct of a nationwide information campaign
of PRRD - PENAMFED for federalism, by ensuring the safety of the
personnel of PRRD - PENAMFED participating in the information campaign,
and by providing mandatory coverage of whatever activities done or to be
done by PRRD - PENAMFED in connection to its project;
• Photos on the Signing of MOA between DILG and PRRD - PENAMFED
The Memorandum of
Agreement between
Department of Interior
& Local Government
(DILG) and PRRD -
People’s National
Movement for
Federalism
..was signed by DILG Sec. Ismael Sueno
and PENAMFED President Dr. Dante
Liban last July 20, 2016

..and witnessed by three (3)

DILG Undersecretaries,
Emily Padilla, John
Castriciones and Austere
Panadero
PRESENT CONDITIONS, CONCERNS AND PROBLEMS
• Poverty is national scourge; widespread graft and corruption; lack of patriotism and nationalism
as evidenced by rampant tax evasion and tax avoidance;
• -Absence of balanced development; no inclusive growth; revenue and resource allocations defies
any principle on equity; generally the rule of the game is political patronage;
• -Monstrous illegal drug problems spawning the existence of narco-politicians, narco-judges,
narco-police generals and narco-businessmen;
• -Total dependence, if not subservience of local officials on the benevolence of the Office of the
President;
• -Existence of “Imperious Manila”; “when Manila sneezes, the entire nation catches colds”;
• -Presence of unpatriotic oligarchs; selfish political dynastic families; absence of a strong middle
class;
• -Poor national leadership: the Rich while getting less in numbers are getting richer while the Poor
are getting poorer at ‘parami ng parami ang nasa laylayan ng atin lipunan’;
• -Continued existence of separatists groups and armed seccessionist liberation fronts; absence of
the requisite peace, unity and solidarity for national & regional development;
Ten poorest provinces are also
farthest from Imperial Manila
1. Lanao del Sur
2. Sulu
3. Sarangani
4. Northern Samar
5. Maguindanao
6. Bukidnon
7. Sultan Kudarat
8. Zamboanga del Norte
9. Siquijor
10. Agusan del Sur
“PROBINSYANO”’S VISION OF A NEW PHILIPPINES
• -Years before and throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, Mayor Digong Duterte openly and
publicly campaigned for a federal form of government;
• -In all campaign sorties from Tuguegarao City, Laoag City & San Fernando City of La Union to
Dagupan City & Urdaneta City, from San Fernando City of Pampanga to Malolos City, from the
historic Novaliches to City of Manila; from Muntinlupa City to Taguig City; from Cebu City & Danao
City to Puerto Prinsesa City; from Bacolod City to Iloilo City, from Cagayan de Oro City to Davao
City, and from Cotabato City to Zamboanga City, in all press conferences, in all public fora and
symposia, and in presidential debates, The “Probinsyano” boldly made public his plan, if elected
President, to change our present form of government to enable us to effectively address the
anemic conditions of our nation, to significantly solve the country’s social & economic problems,
and to achieve the decades-long quest for peace, unity and national solidarity;
• -The “Probinsyano” courageously anchored his presidential bid on the issue of federalism. He
clearly and squarely placed his well-studied proposal before the altar of public opinion. The other
four (4) presidential candidates hardly spoke about it;
• -On the historic 9th day of May, the electorate resoundingly elected the “Probinsyano”, Mayor
Digong Roa Duterte as its 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines; the Filipino people
joyfully affirmed their collective support to all his plans and program, particularly the urgent shift
from unitary to federal;
BASIC DISTINCTIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY

• -Presidential: Separation of Powers between the Executive, Legislative

and Judiciary; Co-equal Branches; Checks and Balances; President is
both Head of State and Head of Government;
• -Parliamentary: Executive comes from majority or coalition in the
legislature; Parliament is usually supreme; Ceremonial Head of state
is separate from Head of Government;
What is Federalism?
A system of government under which significant government powers
are divided between the national government and smaller governmental
units called states, regions and territories.
What is Federalism? Cont.
The mode of political organization that unites separate polities within an overarching
political system by distributing power among general and constituent governments
in a manner designed to protect the existence and authority of both a type of
governmental organization within which both central and component governments
operate directly upon the people, each being independent within respective
constitutionally laid down sphere of allocated powers and in coordinating
relationships with another.
ESSENTIALS OF FEDERALISM
• Shared Governance
• Self Rule
• Shared Rule
 Models of Federal Governments

A. Federal Parliamentary i.e. Great Britain

B. Federal Presidential i.e. USA
C. Federal – Hybrid, Presidential and Parliamentary e.i. France
Unitary Countries Federal Countries
INDONESIA FRANCE
BANGLADESH GERMANY
PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE
MEXICO UNITED STATES
KHAZAKASTAN AUSTRALIA

It is notable that the most stable and progressive

countries in the world have federal forms of government.
The Federal Government Operates Under:
ONE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
ONE ARMED FORCES
ONE FLAG
ONE CENTRAL BANK
ONE MONETARY SYSTEM
ONE FOREIGN POLICY
ONE EMBLEM
How Is Federalism Different From Unitary?

We presently have a unitary form

of government. Most
administrative powers and
resources are with the national
government based in Imperial
Metro Manila who decides how In federalism, the states will have
much to give local government the power to make these
units. decisions with little or no
interference from the national
government.
How Will Federalism Help The
Country?

Let Us Count The Ways

 Decentralization
With national government, and thus power, centered in Metro Manila,
it's no surprise that development in the mega city has spiraled out of
control while other parts of the country are neglected.

Under the unitary system, Under Federalism,

we only have one center of powers are devolved to local
power, finance and development: government
the Imperial Metro-Manila.
 Establishing Powerful Economic
States
The move to federalize the country is not simply a ‘political’
undertaking, it is also an economic effort. By converting Metro-Manila
as a federal administrative region, and by creating Federal States we
immediately
establish centers of power,
finance and development
throughout the country.
 State Development Fund
To address the reality that not all
the Federal States are born equal
in terms of resources and
opportunities, a State
Development Fund or
Equalization Fund should be
created that will administered by
the Federal Government to
provide more funding support The fund is proposed to be taken from
for the depressed states to
accelerate their development the top five (5) states of the country
and “equalize” with other states in terms of revenues.
in terms of progress..
 Locals Decide For Themselves

Regions have their own

unique problems, situations,
geographic, cultural, social and
economic contexts. Federalism
allows them to create
solutions to their own
problems instead of distant
Metro Manila deciding for
them
The states can establish policies that may
not be adopted nationwide. For example,
liberal states will not allow divorce
however in the state of Bangsamoro,
predominantly Muslim and under Shari’a
Law, divorce is permitted.
 Addressing Cultural Differences
Federalism makes sense in an archipelago of over 7,107 islands and
28 dominant ethnic groups. For decades, the national government
has been struggling to address serious local concerns despite
challenges posed by geography and cultural differences.
 Lessens Dependence on Metro
Manila
With federalism, other
states work independently of
Imperial Manila for most
concerns.
For example, when there is
an upheaval in Metro Manila,
other regions that have
nothing to do with the chain of
events are left waiting for the
resources that only the central
government can release.
 Bring Government Closer to The
People
If detractors say federalism
will only make local political
dynasties more powerful
however, advocates give the
argument that, in fact, it will
make all local leaders, including
those part of political dynasties, State governments will no
more accountable to their longer have any excuse for
constituents. delays in services or projects.
 Incentives To Live, Work & Invest
Outside Metro Manila
Autonomy for states leads to economic
development and more incentives for Filipinos
to live and work in states outside Metro
Manila..

More investors may also decide to put up

their businesses there, creating more jobs and
opportunities to attract more people away from
the jampacked mega city.
 State Governments Will Have Full Autonomy
To Address Local Priorities
For example, state governments can
declare 20-year tax holiday for
investors in their state or lower the
minimum wage just to attract new
businesses and improve
employment opportunities.

In Federalism, state Some states can also afford free

governments will have autonomy to education & health care to provide
address its own problems better quality of life.
 Possible Solution To Mindanao
Conflict
The creation of the state of Bangsamoro within a federalist system
may address concerns of separatists who crave more autonomy over
the administration of Muslim Mindanao.
 Encourages Competition
With states now more self-reliant
and in control of their
development, they will judge
themselves relative to how their
fellow states are progressing.
The competitive spirit will be
unleashed and will hopefully
motivate state leaders and citizens
to level up in terms of quality of life,
economic development, progressive
policies, and governance.
 More Power Over Funds and
Resources

In 2015, 35% of the national

Through fiscal autonomy
for state governments,
federalism will more evenly
distribute the country's wealth.
budget went to Metro Manila
even if it represents only 14%
of the Philippine population.
 Power To Spend For Own
Development
Right now, local government units can
only collect real estate taxes and business
permit fees. In federalism, they can retain
most of their revenue income collection

And they can spend the money on

programs and policies they see fit without
waiting for the national government's go signal.
 Duties and Responsibilities of the Federal
Government
• General welfare of the Filipino people and the
development of the country as a whole
• External defense
• Foreign Relations
• Enactment of laws of national applications
• National peace and unity
• Global competitiveness
• Technical & Financial Assistance to the States
 Duties And Responsibilities Of State Government

• Social, economic, cultural and political well-being of its

constituents.
• Maintenance of peace and order.
• Enforcement of national and state laws.
• Development of the local government
units.
• Regional competitiveness
 Separation and Sharing of Powers
Powers Delegated to the
Powers Reserved to the State
Federal Government

Shared Power
 Basic Features
The executive branch of government is fused with the
legislative branch of government to have unity of purpose.
The legislative is unicameral. There is no upper and lower houses
of congress anymore. It is simply called “ Parliament “, one and
only legislative body of the Federal government.
The members of the parliament are focused on legislative works,
although, some of its members exercise
executive duties and functions.
 Basic Features, Continued

There is a President and a Vice President who are both elected at large as a team.
It means a vote for the President is a vote for his Vice President.
The President is the figure and ceremonial head of the state and can be removed
from office by impeachment. The Vice President will become the Speaker of the
Parliament
There is a Prime Minister who is nominated from among his peers in the
parliament and appointed by the President. He is the head of the government and
can be removed by a “vote of no confidence” or upon dissolution of the
parliament by the President.
Proposed Legislative Composition
Legislative Powers Form/ Proposed
Vested Manner of Composition
Election
1. Federal
Congress Unicameral/
Members of State-wide elections Minimum of 6 for
Parliament every State

2. State
Legislatures Composed of 3
Unicameral /Directly representatives for
Elected state-wide by each city and/or
the people municipality of the
state
 Prime Minister
There shall be Prime
Minister who is the head of
the government
The Prime Minister
is nominated by members of the
parliament.
The Prime Minister serves at the
confidence of the members of
the parliament.
The Prime Minister heads the
cabinet.
The Prime Minister may also be
removed upon dissolution of the
parliament by the President.
 Deputies of Prime Ministers &
Cabinet Members
The Prime Minister will be assisted by three deputies, one for Luzon,
one for Visayas and one for Mindanao.
Majority of the cabinet members are chosen by the Prime Minister
from among the members of the parliament.
Members of the cabinet should be proportionately distributed to the
states.
When the Prime Minister is voted out from office or when the
President dissolves the parliament, the cabinet members are
considered resigned.
 What Will Happen To Local Government Units (LGUs)
Under A Federal System?
• The powers and structures of cities, municipalities, and barangays remained untouched
except those powers related to the maintenance of peace and order and the barangay
justice system.

• The qualifications of local officials shall be the same as those provided under the
existing laws.

• The local government units will evolve and become part of a state. The state will be
responsible only for the development of the local government units. Such as, social,
economic, cultural and political well-being of its constituents, maintenance of peace
and order and enforcement
of national and state laws.
 Sharing of National Taxes
PERCENTAGE SHARE
Federal
Government 20%

States 80%

The present sharing today is that 80% of the income of the local
governments are remitted to the national government and only 20% is retained. In
federalism, 80% will be retained by the state and only 20% goes to the federal
government.
 Sample of Sharing of Internal
Revenue Allotment
PROPOSED SHARING
DESCRIPTION PRESENT SHARING UNDER FEDERALISM

SAMPLE REVENUE PhP1,000,000,000.00 PhP1,000,000,000.00 % DIFFE-RENCE

NATIONAL GOVT SHARE 60% PhP600,000 ,000 30% PhP300,000,000 -50%

STATE GOV'T SHARE none

30% PhP 210,000,000

PROVINCIAL GOV'T SHARE 23% PhP92,000,000

CITIES SHARE 23% PhP92,000,000 21% PhP 146,363,636 +63%

MUNICIPALITIES SHARE 34% PhP136,000,000 24% PhP 216,363,636 +63%

BRGY SHARE 20% PhP80,000,000 14% PhP 127,272,727 +63%

 What Will Happen To The Judiciary Under
Federalism?

The Supreme Court is

retained including its Each state shall adopt its
powers subject to justice and judicial systems
certain revisions as may consistent with national and
international norms.
be provided by the new
constitution.
Metro Manila Under Federalism
It is proposed that there shall be as many
federal states as there are regions in the
Philippines.
However, it is suggested to separate ARMM into
two (2) states, one for Marawi State, and the
other state to comprise the island provinces of
Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, because the 2 areas
as presently constituted are culturally,
environmentally and politically distinct from
each other.
It is therefore proposed that there will be
nineteen (19) states in the Federal Republic of
the Philippines.
The Philippines: A Federalist Perspective
Region I –San Fernando La Union
Region II –Tuguegarao
Region III - San Fernando Pampanga
Region IV– Calamba City
Region V –Legaspi City
Region VI - Iloilo City
Region VII - Cebu City
Region VIII- Tacloban City
Region IX - Pagadian
Region X - CDO
Region XI - Davao City
Region XII –Koronadal
Region XIII –Manila City
Region XIV –Baguio City
Region XV –Cotobato City
Region XVI –Butuan City
Region XVII –Calapan City
Region XVIII – Negros Island Region
The Seat of Power, as Proposed in a Hybrid – Presidential
& Parliamentary
The Executive Department will
hold offices in the Federal
Administrative Region
of Metro Manila

and the Judiciary will hold

office in Federal State of Region
VII Central Visayas, Cebu City
while the Legislative Department
will hold office in the Federal
State of region XI Davao Region,
Davao city
PRRD’S PREFERENCE FOR THE FRENCH MODEL
- For an archipelagic country with 7,107 islands, with many indigenous
peoples speaking in different languages & dialects, with different
religions, cultures and ethnicity, and varying tribal & communal
historical experiences, Pres. Duterte is advocating for a strong President
as head of state and a prime minister of his choice as head of his
government
 Powers of French President in a Federal
Presidential – Parliamentary System
11. Appoints members of several judiciary bodies, military officers and political advisers;
12. Signs bills and promulgates laws and decrees;
13. Presides over cabinet sessions;
14. Sends messages to parliament;
15. Asks parliament to re-examine all or part of any bill he does not like;
16. Submits to the Constitutional Council any act of Parliament or treaty which is doubtful
constitutionality;
17. Circumvent legislative process by submitting directly to the public a referendum on any organic
bill or treaty requiring ratification;
18. Dissolves parliament, upon consultation with Prime Minister and Presidents of the National
Assembly and Senate;
19. Enacts emergency powers to enable him to govern without deliberative parliamentary process
 Powers of French President in a Federal
Presidential – Parliamentary System
Note that the enactment of the Constitution of the French Fifth Republic was largely inspired by the
vision of Pres. Charles de Gaulle for a strong leader who is above party politics and insulated from
parliamentary interferences.

The hybrid presidential-parliamentary system, as exemplified by the government of France,

provides for a President as head of state who is endowed with extensive powers, wielding de facto
authority over Parliament; the Prime Minister who is head of government, assisted by the Council of
Ministers, conducts the day-to-day business of the state and overseeing the bureaucracy.
MODES IN REVISING THE CONSTITUTION
• Constitutional Convention or CON-CON
• -Constituent Assembly or CON-ASS
• -People’s Initiative or PI
• -Constitutional Commission or CON-COM
WHO WILL DO THE ACTUAL REVISION?
• Constitutional Delegates who are directly elected by the people
• Congressmen and Senators who will constitute the Constituent
Assembly
• Men and Women of integrity and patriotism who will be
appointed by the President
WHO WILL DECIDE WHICH MODE?
• Congress may adopt a Concurrent Resolution calling for the Election
of Delegates to the Constitutional Convention;
• Congress may adopt a Joint Resolution convening Congress as a
Constituent Assembly to revise the present Constitution;
• The President, given the legal mandate, will appoint Members of the
Constitutional Commission;
PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR THE SHIFT
• Year 2022 or Earlier
• In his first SONA, PRRD boldly and emphatically asked the Filipino
People and Congress of the Philippines to effect the required
constitutional revision and strategic shift from unitary to federal on or
before the end of his term.
• Should the desired shift is attained before the end of his term, he
volunteered to step down to ensure the full transition from unitary
government to a federal system of governance;
IS IT REALISTICALLY DOABLE?
• The Filipino People and Pres. Duterte are now one in vision and in
spirit to make ONE BIG REAL CHANGE for our country, that is,
changing our form of government from a unitary & highly centralized
government into a more democratic federal government.
• The indomitable spirit of the Filipino, will surely blend with the new
“Federal Spirit” of peace, unity & solidarity which will strategically
unleash regional and local competitive spirits, propel development
forces and utilize to the max skills & talents of our people
IS IT REALISTICALLY DOABLE? Continued…
• With his triumphant election last May 9, 2016, then jubilantly riding on the
shoulders of millions of ordinary Filipinos, patriotic professionals and neglected
“probinsyanos”, now flying higher as a Government Worker with the people’s
wind beneath his presidential wings, and empowered with an unprecedented
record-high of 91% trust rating, Pres. Duterte’s call for Real Change is destined to
come;
• It is probable that the constitutional revision will be undertaken not later than
2018 while the required plebiscite to ratify the proposed revisions will be held on
the second Monday of May, coinciding with the 2019 Elections;
• From June, 2019 to 2020, subnational government units (states or regions), in
accordance with the newly ratified Federal Constitution, will make their
respective constitutions and ratify the same in a plebiscite. Immediate following
ratification of state constitution, , the new state will establish its own state
government, i.e. Office of the Governor, State Legislature, State Judiciary and
other state agencies;
IS IT REALISTICALLY DOABLE? Continued…
• Present local governments such as provincial governments, city
governments, municipal governments shall remain in operation,
subject to whatever limitations or adjustments the state may impose;
• In pursuance of the new Federal Constitution, the Federal
Government will organize itself, establishing Federal Executive
Department in Metro Manila, a Federal Legislature in Davao City, a
Federal Judiciary in Cebu City, and other Federal agencies & offices;
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
• By 2020 to 2021, the process of effective, actual transition from
unitary to a federal government should take place.
• On May 09, 2022, we will elect the President and Vice President of
the new Federal Republic of the Philippines, together with the
Members of Parliament;
• Installed as Federal President on June 30, 2022, and upon
recommendation of the ruling party or ruling coalition, he will
appoint the first Prime Minister and Members of the Cabinet, in line
with the expressed preference of President Duterte for the French
model
CLOSING STATEMENT
• In our lifetime, we have only one journey to make, allowing no
turning back or making a u-turn.
• The challenge for every Filipino, the litmus test for a rewarding
journey is to leave a legacy to our people, most especially a legacy for
our youth, for our millennials and for the next generations;
• Let us all close ranks and join hands with Pres. Duterte in realizing his
vision for a united, peaceful and prosperous Philippines, leaving a
lasting legacy for our nation and people;
• Federalism is the Way to go!
Thank You
Constitution
- Guarantees power-sharing “the federal bargain”
- Legitimized by citizens and component units (double majority)
- Constitutional arbitration
The Formula
F = (SeR = ShR) (C)

f: Federalism
SeR: Self Rule
ShR: Shared Rule
C: Constitutional Guarantee
Context
PRESIDENTIAL
- Separation of powers between
executive legislature and
judiciary
- Co-equal branches
- Checks and Balances
- President is both head of state
and government
PARLIAMENTARY
- Executive comes from majority
or coalition in the legislature
- Parliament is usually supreme
- Ceremonial head of state is
separate from the head of
government
 Exclusive Powers of The United States
Federal Government
1. Lay and collect taxes, duties, impost and excises;
2. Pay the debts;
3. Provide for the common defense and general welfare of the U.S.;
4. Borrow money;
5. Regulate interstate and international commerce;
6. Establish immigration and naturalization law;
7. Regulate bankruptcies;
8. To coin money;
9. Establish weights and measures;
10. Prosecute counterfeiting;
11. Establish a post office and post roads;
12. Regulate patents, copyrights and trade marks;
 Exclusive Powers of The United States
Federal Government
13. Establish inferior courts;
14. Regulate cases in admiralty and offences against the laws of nations;
15. Declare war;
16. Grant letters of marque and reprisal;
17. Regulate the capture of prisoners of war;
18. Raise an army
19. Maintain a navy;
20. Makes rules regulating the army;
21. Provide for calling forth, regulation and disciplining militia;
22. Plenary authority over the capital district;
23. Regulating the manner of establishing full faith and credit between states;
24. Admittance of new state;
25. Plenary authority over all territories
 Exclusive Powers of The State
Government
1. Regulation of intrastate commerce;
2. Conduct elections;
3. Ratification of amendments to the U.S. Constitution;
4. To exercise powers neither delegated to the national government nor prohibited from the
states by the Constitution as per amendment X;
5. Property laws;
6. Inheritance laws;
7. Commercial laws;
8. Banking laws;
9. Corporate laws;
10. Insurance
Considerations for Reform
- Costs of “further devolution”:
- Constitutional recognition of local governments
- Sustaining the gains from the LGC vs right to self-organization
- Change in inter-governmental relations
- Efficiency consideration for creation of main “meso-level”
- Costs of multiple bureaucracies
- Role of a Department of Interior/ Ministry of Home Affairs
Can we achieve these reforms without federalism?
Other Implications
- Unwritten support mechanisms “the federal spirit”
- Adjustments in political and/or bureaucratic culture
- Adjustments in civic culture
Thoughts
- Federalism is POWER-SHARING
- Federalism is about UNITY
- Federalism is COMPLEX
- Federalism Varies from country to country
Factors Affecting Revenue
- Natural endowments
- Economic Vitality/ Activity
- Endogenous and exogenous policy
- Mobility and taxpayer
- Tax effort
 Powers of French President in a Federal
Presidential – Parliamentary System
1. Ensures adherence to and compliance with the constitution;
2. Guarantees the independence of the state;
3. Acts as Commander-in-chief of the armed forces;
4. Directs the state’s foreign policy;
5. Conducts the nation’s diplomacy;
6. Negotiates and signs treaties;
7. Appoints ambassadors;
8. Receives foreign heads of state;
9. Appoints prime minister;
10. Appoints members of the council of ministers (cabinet);
The Philippines:
A Federalist Perspective
It is proposed that there shall be as
many federal states as there are regions
in the Philippines at present.

There are 18 regions

However, it is suggested to separate
ARMM into two (2) states, one for
Marawi State, and the other state to
comprise the island provinces of Sulu,
Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, because the 2
areas as presently constituted are
culturally, environmentally and politically
distinct from each other.
Cons
Chance of divisiveness when there are already some current hostilities
between certain ethnic groups. The spirit of competitiveness also may
create rivalries which poses another challenge in uniting the country.
Uneven development among states may occur due to the states unique
strengths and weaknesses like natural resources, leaders and other
specializations. A proposed Equalization Fund should be implemented in
which a portion of tax from wealthy states will be given to the lacking states.
There is a possibility that there will be a confusion when jurisdiction
overlaps. The amendment of the Constitution will be an evolving one since
there is no Philippine standard of federalism yet; where does the
responsibility of the national government end and the state government
begin? Duplications and ambiguities are bound to develop.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
FOR PHILIPPINE SETTING

As Proposed By MRRD - PENAMFED

Don’t ask if it is going to be easy.
Ask if it is going to be worth it. – Michael Josephson

Thank You
Shared Rule
- Participation of sub-national units in federal decision-making
- Bicameral (participation in federal legislation)
- Institutionalized arrangements of participation in federal
executive decisions
- Opportunities for consensus democracy
Self Rule
- Final authority on specific responsibility on specific
responsibilities / competencies
- Control over own resources
- Territoriality
- Ability for self-organization
Self Rule
- Final authority on specific responsibility on specific
responsibilities / competencies
- Control over own resources
- Territoriality
- Ability for self-organization