Senators wont be elected on nationwide basis under federal system

MANILA, Philippines – Senators will no longer be elected on a nationwide basis under the federal system of government being pushed by minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and 12 other senators.

Instead, based on Senate Resolution No. 10 filed by Pimentel, each of the 11 proposed federal states will elect six senators while overseas Filipinos will elect nine senators to represent them. The resolution retains the legislative districts in the House of Representatives as well as party-list members.

“I am in full support of this resolution. From day one, I am for federalism as this is the only way to speed up the development of the neglected regions in the country, particularly in Mindanao, and to alleviate poverty in the countryside. My father and I are the proponents of Bukidnon for Federalism movement,” Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said. Zubiri moved to be made a co-author of SR 10.

But Zubiri and senators Loren Legarda and Lito Lapid signed the resolution “with reservation.”

Sen. Noynoy Aquino said he also agreed with the proposed federalism but “with safeguards.” He did not elaborate.

This means the measure now enjoys the support of the majority of the 23 senators.

The proposed federal system, if implemented, will considerably raise the number of lawmakers, although House membership will be limited to 350.

The resolution provides a six-year term for each senator while a congressman will have a three-year term. A senator may aspire for a second term while a congressman may serve for up to four terms.

Pimentel said his measure would considerably lessen the cost of elections and discourage elected officials from engaging in dishonest acts to recover campaign expenses or pay political debts.

He said that the mode of elections stipulated in his resolution would address the problem regarding lack of representation of certain regions in the country.

“This will remove a major cause of social discontent and national disunity. With this scheme, no federal state will complain that it has no voice in the Senate,” Pimentel said.

Senate Resolution No. 10 proposes the convening of Congress into a constituent assembly to initiate amendments to the Constitution. Pimentel said he chose this mode of amendment to hasten Charter change.

Pimentel said he drafted the resolution in response to requests from fellow senators, several congressmen and local government officials who believe in the advantages of a federal system.