Let others do Cha-cha

MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo reiterated yesterday her support for constitutional reform after some local executives allied with the administration revived the initiative last week in campaigning for a parliamentary federal form of government.

Mrs. Arroyo made the statement during her speech at the economic briefing for the business sector held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

In contrast with the growing economy, Mrs. Arroyo said the country’s political system “has degenerated so much that it is difficult for anybody to make any headway and yet keep his or her reputation intact.”

“So our political system really is something that has to be, that’s the one that needs to be reformed now more than the economy, and that’s why as I said at this point ... it’s really not for me anymore to be the one to initiate constitutional reform, but if there are others who are going to do it, I will support them,” she said.

Local officials, including Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, earlier renewed the campaign to amend the Constitution. He pointed out the need to protect the provinces from the political noise generated in Metro Manila through federalism.

Salceda said turning regions into autonomous federal states would spare the provinces from never-ending political maneuverings in Manila, which could eventually stunt the country’s economic growth.

“All political attention is concentrated in Metro Manila. Important issues such as the development of the regions and the provinces are pushed to the sidelines,” Salceda pointed out.

The governor had led a group of political and civic leaders from Bicol who renewed the call for the transformation of the provinces into autonomous states with their own laws on taxes and other powers, but still accountable to a central government.

Those joining Salceda in the renewed campaign for decentralization of political power include Mayor Cicero Ching Triumfante of Daraga, Albay and former Albay vice governor James Calisin. – Paolo Romero