Governor's forum on federalism held

CEBU - The League of Provinces along with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the German Technical Corporation and Balay Mindanao Foundation conducted a governor’s forum on Federalism as one of the alternatives to the present form of government.

Misamis Occidental Governor Loreto Leo Ocampos, National President of the League of Provinces, said there were two objectives in conducting the forum, first is to determine the different types of Federalism and second is to brief governors on the basic principles of Federalism.

After the discussion at the Marco Polo Plaza yesterday morning, the governors will disseminate this information to their different provinces.

“By the time we have sufficient knowledge and information, and gathered the public pulse, the League of Provinces will collectively decide on what course of action to take,” he said.

Ocampos also said there is a general feeling of positive response to Federalism, especially from Mindanao governors.

Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, executive vice president of the League of Provinces however, clarified that the organization should not be perceived as in the forefront of charter change.

“We just want to be identified to be in the forefront of finding ways and means to be able to change the form of the government that we have in our country right now,” Reyes said, adding that they are looking for alternatives and Federalism is one alternative that they are considering.

Reyes also said Palawan is a very strong advocate of Federalism.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said: “As regards to Federalism, we have always been supporting this move insofar as Cebu is concerned.”

On the other hand, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado said he is not yet sure where he stands.

“I, as a local chief executive of Bohol would like to go into this system. But I want to be sure that the necessary fundamental law on this…meaning the constitution must have to be realized and amended for this purpose,” he said.

The experts who also participated during the forum include Dr. Jose Abueva of Kalayaan College Citizen’s Movement for a Federal Republic of the Philippines; Dr. Alexander Brillantes, National College for Public Administration, University of the Philippines; Atty. Soliman Santos, Bicolano human rights lawyer; Atty. Camilo Montesa, executive director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance; Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies and Dr. Claire Carlos, professor of the University of the Philippines.

Federalism is also referred to as federal government. It is a political system in which two levels of government control the same territory and citizens.

In a federal system, laws are made both by state, provincial, or territorial governments and by a central government.

In addition to the United States and Canada, countries that are considered federalist include Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, and Switzerland. —Joy Kareen T. Saliente/BRP (THE FREEMAN)