Details

Proceedings of the forum,

“Towards a Federal Republic of the Philippines:

Prospects and Challenges”

I.Introduction

Sponsored by the Citizens Movement for a Federal Philippines (CMFP), and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF), the forum, “Towards a Federal Republic of the Philippines: Prospects and Challenges,” was held on January 28, 2005 at the Sandugo Ballroom of the Bohol Tropics Resort, City of Tagbilaran.

The forum successfully gathered 158 participants coming from the major sectors, i.e., government, business and civil society, of the Boholano community. Representing the government were some members of the Provincial Board, Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, kagawads and staff of various LGU offices. The business sector made its presence felt with the Chair of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and some local businessmen. A great number of the participants came from civil society, particularly from non-government organizations, academic institutions, media, church (Roman Catholic & Protestant), political party affiliation (PDP-Laban), and professional organizations (Integrated Bar of the Philippines).

The Bohol Forum Conveners was composed of Atty. Antonio S. Amora Jr., Atty. Esther Gertrude D. Biliran, Mr. Paul Borja. Atty. Handel Lagunay and Atty. Myrna T. Pagsuberon. The Holy Spirit School Center for Women Interacting for New Growth and Services (HSS-WINGS) acted as secretariat of the event.

II.Lecture-discussions on Federalism

Following the Opening Remarks given by Vice-Governor Julius Cesar Herrera, Mr Klaus Preschle, country representative of the KAF, made a Statement of Solidarity highlighting the timeliness of the event, role of the KAF and the intent of the forum to contribute to the understanding of federalism as a system of government. At the end of the day, Mr. Preschle emphasized, the ultimate choice on how the country be governed abides in the Filipino people.

Mr. Rey Magno, CMFP Convener, cogently explicated the need for a change of system, presenting data and statistics supporting his assumption that provinces and cities far from the central government, i.e., the Greater Manila Area, are the poorest, with the least access to basic social services and with a very low literacy rate. Mr. Klaus Preschle presented a global perspective on federalism, specifically illustrating how the system works in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Dr. Clarita Carlos, a professor at the Political Science Department of the University of the Philippines (UP), discussed the need to change the Constitution and the rationale in pushing for a parliamentary & federal form as the most apt and workable system, citing results of her own research, a study entitled “ In Search for the Good Life.” The CMFP Draft Constitution for a Federal Republic of the Philippines with a Parliamentary Government (revised January 28, 2005) was discussed by Dr. Jose V. Abueva, former UP President and the very person who edited the draft.

Finally, Mr. Socrates Banzuela, Secretary General of the CMFP, expounded on the movement’s basic principles: its historical, practical and political reasons; strengths; strategies; targets and tools.

III.Key discussions during the plenary sessions

With Atty. Biliran as moderator, the first plenary session dealt with questions on the culture of corruption as imbedded in Philippine society and with the apprehension as to the people’s readiness to embrace the federal system.

Mr. Roy Cardino of the Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor’s Office expressed his wariness on sharing power to LGUs where, he alleged, corruption is endemic. Mr. Teves maintained that a change in system could bring about a change of attitude, citing the enforcement in Davao City of a law banning the use of firecrackers, which eventually transformed the people’s traditional way of celebrating New Year’s Eve. Replying to an SSpS. nun’s query whether corruption also exists in Germany, Mr. Preschle bared his country is not spared from such human weakness, although, at a lesser degree and with corrupt officials heavily penalized for their acts.

Mr. Lomod, a businessman, pondered on the psychology of the Filipino people as concordant with the federalist thought or that the aspirations of the former fit into such system. Another query from Engr. Jes B. Tirol of the University of Bohol probed into the possible conflict that may arise from among the provinces seeking to be centers of the 10 proposed states, citing in particular Bohol’s own declaration as an independent republic during the Spanish regime.

In the discussions, Mr. Teves maintained his optimism on the federalist way, explaining that the very principles of federalism counter all the apprehensions being expressed.

The second plenary session was moderated by Atty. Antonio S. Amora.

Expressing gratitude to Dr. Abueva for the provision on human life, dignity and right (Article IV. Section 3), Mr. Paciano Sambalud, a member of the Pro-life Movement of the Diocese of Tagbilaran, asked assurance that such section be carried out up to the final form of the draft. Dr. Abueva explained that the draft is a work in progress, though, he would stand by his proposal, including such provision.

Engr. Tirol threw in questions related to the draft constitution, specifically on whether there is a provision on the cessation or addition of states and in an event of conflict, whether the federal constitution prevails over the state constitution. Dr. Abueva replied that the federal law will prevail over the state law and explained that all states have responsibility to carry out the Federal Constitution. He emphatically added that federalism is based on the concept of covenant, hence, the imperative to negotiate differences.

Again, on the question of corruption and the alleged incompetence of LGU officials, Dr. Abueva took his time imparting a “message of hope,” as he said he was struck with too much pessimism among the youth. He narrated research findings, cited statistics and shared comments from experts to strengthen his belief on the capability of the Filipino people to transcend the status quo, pleading “ let us not be too harsh upon ourselves.”

Summing up, he enumerated five factors necessary for good governance, to wit: (a) deeper sense of nationhood (b) effective political institutions (c) competent leaders (d) responsible citizens, and (5) productive and equitable economy.

IV.DINNER and Press Conference

To cap the whole-day forum (which started at 10:15 a.m. until6:20 p.m.), a dinner replete with native dishes and an accompanying serenade for the guests and organizers was held at the Barrio Fiesta Wharf of the resort.

A press conference was simultaneously conducted with Atty. Handel Lagunay as the moderator. The attendees include: Ms. Fiel Angelie A. Gabin, Tagbilaran City Information Officer, Mr. Fred Amora of the Bohol Standard, Mr. Rey Anthony Chiu of the Philippine Information Agency, Ms. Sonieta D. Labasan of the Bohol Chronicle, Loay Vice Mayor Tiburcio Bullecer of Radio Station DYRD, Mr. Felix Cempron and Mr. Pedro Bolanio, radio commentators.