QUEZON CITY (MindaNews/11 September) — Many federalism advocates were expecting President Rodrigo Duterte to push even harder for federalism in his second State of the Nation Address. But the President could only say that this matter is something “we have to tackle sooner or later.”
That time has come given that the members of his Consultative Committee on constitutional reform have been named, although they have y et to be formally announced.
Pertinently, the leaders of both chambers of Congress have declared that federalism will be treated as a priority in the Second Regular Session of the 17th Congress. Although it must be noted that their respective committees responsible for constitutional reform have already conducted hearings towards this end.
So the same federalism proponents may be right. The federalization of the Philippines is indeed about to begin.
Apolinario Mabini believed that federalism, “besides being the most perfect among the republican forms, is best suited to the topography of our country”. Clearly, this is an endorsement of federalization that must not to be ignored.
However, a caveat not be ignored as well was raised by Raphael N. Montes in Understanding Federalism, “Designing a federal system is not a very easy task. Besides its basic principles, federalism is very customizable. The peculiarities of a country would define the different features of its own brand of federalism.[]
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In sum, a federal structure of government is a good fit for the country but defining the nitty-gritty of the federal framework will be very difficult. In the words of our President, this endeavour would entail “long, very contentious discussions”.
Whether the federal structure will be presidential, semi-presidential or parliamentary, bi-cameral or unicameral, is indeed up for debate. But there are three fundamental features of a federal framework which are indispensable. These are: 1) a streamlined allocation of responsibilities between the central and state governments; 2) a state government structure that reflects a collective approach to governance; and, 3) mechanisms that foster cooperation and collaboration among the state governments in addressing national concerns.
First, the assignment of responsibilities between the federal and state governments must be clear and coherent. The distribution scheme must be formulated in such a way that the designation of accountability is unequivocal.
This prescription is very critical because the correct allocation of tax powers and other revenue-raising measures between the two levels of government hinges on it. It will also influence how the scope of federal legislative power is delineated.[]