Marcos offers possible plan for federal system of gov’t to succeed

Changing the present form of government to a federal system may succeed if the next President will push for it early in his term, according to Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said in an interview over the weekend that he was backing moves towards federalism as the possible answer to socioeconomic problems plaguing the country, particularly in Mindanao.

“If the next President will do that (push for charter change) he or she has to do it very early on–start the process on the first year (of his term), not on the last. That would at least allay suspicions this is being done to extend his term. So that’s a possibility,” he said.

Marcos said amending the Constitution was necessary, “not because the concept is wrong but because the passage of time changed things and situations have changed so we have to adjust accordingly.’’

But he said there have been speculations on the real agenda behind Charter change because there was no enabling law providing specific mechanics regulating the power of Congress to amend the constitution acting as a constituent assembly.

To dispel any apprehensions, Marcos proposed that any amendments to the Constitution should be made through a constitutional convention (con-con) where delegates are elected by the public.  Con-con, he said, was the “most acceptable method” of changing the Constitution.

“So at least those who want to be delegates can campaign and tell the people what their plans are if they are elected. In this way, it would be clear to the public what to expect from their delegates,”  he said.

As to federalism, Marcos said it is in theory a good option because it spreads power centers. Thus, if there is a problem in one area it would not affect the entire country.

“Besides, there is recognition that each area is different, with different needs and concerns, and with different assets and capabilities. So you have to treat each one differently, and the best people to determine what is needed in that locality are the people living there,” he said.

In fact, Marcos said, the country had experimented already on the concept of federalism, with the defunct Interim Batasang Pambansa, which had regional representation, although it was abandoned later on.

“So I think it’s time to revisit the concept and see if it would be the one best suited for the Philippines,” he further said. AU