Metro Manila mayors support shift to federalism

MANILA, Philippines - The mayors of Metro Manila expressed their support for shifting the form of government to federalism, which President Duterte has been advocating.

“The council recognizes the immediate need to further enhance the national and local governments’ efforts in improving the country’s peace and order situation, economic activities, business and trade relations, employment opportunities, health care, and disaster preparedness, among others,” said the mayors, acting as the Metro Manila Council (MMC), in their latest resolution, dated April 7.

They said the current system of government centralized the executive, legislative and judiciary branches in the National Capital Region, “thereby effectively alienating the other regions of the archipelago from much-needed government support.”

“After a judicious evaluation of the existing systems of government around the world vis-à-vis the unique and diverse circumstances, needs, and requirements of the country and the Filipino people, it is imperative that a new and more responsive form of government be adopted the soonest,” they added.

The MMC, the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) composed of 17 mayors, said with the country’s shift from a centralized form of government to federalism, “even the NCR’s long-festering problems such as lack of shelter, massive influx of informal settlers, traffic congestion, peace and order and the cutthroat competition amongst traders and manufacturers… would likely be alleviated, if not completely addressed.”

MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos said while the resolution was passed indicating the Metro mayors’ support for federalism, “they just want to know and be clear on how to operationalize the system.”

Duterte has been advocating for the shift of government to federalism, which grants more power to local governments, including power to impose their own taxes, implement business regulations and set up courts.