There are voices in the Philippine discussion about federalism who predict a disaster if ever a federalist system is established.

I am afraid they are right. As a German, I strongly believe in the advantages of a federal system for a huge, multi-ethnic island archipelago like the Philippines. But a federal government structure is a complex entity that needs sound democratic fundamentals to work for the benefit of the ordinary citizens. Without inclusive democratic participation, it will be controlled by the traditional oligarchic elites and will lead to powerful regional dynasties, using their dominance to oppress the people and to put themselves above the rule of law.

“Ugly.” That was how Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto described federalism as a proposed form of government for the Philippines.

“Dagdag bureaucracy, dagdag red tape, dagdag taxes, dagdag gastos lang yan (It’s additional bureaucracy, additional red tape, additional taxes and additional expenses),” he said during an INQ&A interview on Tuesday.

 

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Based on the report of the Save the Children, there is an estimated 171 million children who are stunted in the whole world.

3.6 Filipino children are stunted which makes the country 9th among countries with the highest number of stunting.

Philippine government negotiators Jesus Dureza (L) and Silvestre Bello sign an indefinite ceasefire agreement with communist rebels at a meeting in Oslo, Norway, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Alister Doyle

MANILA, Philippines — While the government and the National Democratic Front both declared unilateral ceasefires, there were no common terms or conditions for its implementation.

 

First of Two Parts

This is how bad our country has become. The newest, yet hidden oligarch in the Philippines isn’t even a Filipino: He is the Indonesian magnate Anthoni Salim.

If President Duterte tries to make a list of oligarchs in the country — the few who rule the commanding heights of the economy — he is likely to miss Salim, for he may not have read his name in the country’s biggest newspapers.

Except for the so-called “oligarchs” based in the National Capital Region, I am positive that most Filipinos agree with President Duterte that it is about time we decapitated “Imperial Manila.” Too many decisions about the welfare of the regions are being made by Manila-based politicians and government officials who are often ignorant of the real circumstances of the masses outside the NCR, especially in the predominantly rural territories.

 

It is a healthy sign of democracy that the proposed shift to federalism for our government is facing fundamental questions as to how being a nation of federal states will affect our national life.

Is federalism an urgent need for our country? It is, if you are not from Metro Manila or Central Luzon or Calabarzon – the areas benefiting from our current unitarism, or the very same government structure imposed by our colonizers over five centuries ago. Who wants to let go of a good thing?

The Senate committee on constitutional amendments, chaired by Sen. Franklin Drilon, will soon start public hearings on President Duterte’s proposal to adopt the federal system. The proposal will require Charter change (Cha-cha).

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday officially opened its 24/7 call center or “Hotline 1349″ that is expected to ease up the reporting of queries and complaints.

Hotline 1349 is housed at the 4th Flr. of the DOLE building in Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila.

 

President Duterte will make his debut on the international stage when he attends a regional summit in Laos this week even after a deadly explosion in a Davao City night market.

The President is scheduled to depart Davao City on Monday afternoon and has designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as government caretaker, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.