MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo has called for a “free-flowing” discourse on the government’s push for a federal form of government.
Over the weekend in Baguio City, Robredo said some barangay officials do not have enough knowledge about the proposed shift to federalism.
“Maraming mga pagsusulong ng barangay officials na naglalagay sa mga barangay hall nila na ‘yes to federalism’ pero ‘pag tinanong mo kung anong basehan nila, hindi raw nila alam. I think it is important for all of us to have a free-flowing discourse (Some barangay officials are promoting, placing (signs) in their barangay halls saying yes to federalism but if you ask them what their basis is, they say they don’t know. I think it is important for all of us to have a free-flowing discourse),” Robredo said in a speech at the Pakasaritaan 2018 Conference in Baguio City.
While Robredo reiterated that she is neutral about amending the Charter, she believes federalism would not solve the problems of marginalized Filipinos.
“One of the reasons of the proposed shift is the spread of development outside of Metro Manila… According to some proponents, federalism will provide an adequate way to allocate resources to far-flung provinces particularly those in Mindanao,” Robredo said.
Federalism has some good provisions but it would not alleviate poverty, Robredo said.
“We are shaped by things that have happened in our country. To us who took part in the EDSA revolution, the promise of a better life is really there, so many of our fellowmen are angry, disillusioned and confused, and they’re asking why the democracy hasn’t provided us the progress that we desire,” Robredo said.
Robredo emphasized that constitutional change is a serious matter which should not be “based on emotions” about the country’s current situation.
“False hope ‘yan, kasi ang sasabihin mo na ang Constitution na ’to ang makaka-solve ng lahat ng problema natin is not right… Kaya every time may bagong Constitution may frustrations that go with it…The Constitution is just supposed to provide the framework but the doing or not doing, sa atin ‘yan. So, ang nabe-blame ang Constitution (That is false hope, because saying that the Constitution will solve all our problems is not right… So every time there is a new Constitution, there are frustrations that go with it… The Constitution is just supposed to provide the framework, but the doing is on us. So, the Constitution is always blamed for everything),” Robredo said.
Last month, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has created the Consultative Committee that will review the 1987 Constitution, including the proposed shift to federalism. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
