Opposition solons say federalism is not ‘cure-all formula’ to PH problems

Rep. Gary Alejano AP FILE PHOTO

The growing number of Filipinos opposing Charter change (Cha-cha) is a “solid proof” that the administration’s proposed federal form of government is not the “cure-all formula for our country’s ills” and an indication of the people’s “doubts on the real intention of the plan,” opposition lawmakers said on Wednesday.

Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano and Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice issued these criticisms after a recent Pulse Asia survey showed that 64 percent of Filipinos are not in favor of amending the Constitution. The survey also showed that 66 percent do not favor a shift to federal system of government.

READ: 64% of Filipinos do not want Charter change — Pulse Asia

“The growing opposition of two third of Filipinos against Charter change is solid proof that Filipinos reject President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s narrative that federalism is the cure-all formula for our country’s ills,” Villarin said in a statement.

The congressman said most of those who supported the shift were probably President Duterte’s “core supporters lured by their fake news and “change-scamming” schemes.”

He said the “much-vaunted” federalism campaign which has not reached half of the population with only a 49 percent awareness rate, reinforces surveys showing that 73 percent of Filipinos have not read the 1987 Constitution.

“It’s high time that President Duterte focus on governing rather than trifling with our Constitution and rule of law,” Villarin stressed.

Alejano meanwhile, pointed out the result of the survey, conducted between March 23 to 28, showed that people have doubts on the real intention of the Cha-cha’s proponents.

“I believe that people have doubts on the real intention of the proponents in amending the constitution. This is compounded by the lack of education on the contents of the proposed federal constitution. The proponents do not even have a common draft to start with. Dinadaan pa sa pananakot para suportahan ang pagpalit ng konstitusyon,” he added.

For his part, Erice reiterated that term extension, and a no election scenario, among others, are the “ulterior motives” of those pushing for the Constitutional amendment.

“The ulterior motive of those pushing for it is quite obvious to the people. The term extension, no election scenario and the fact that a new Constitution may give in to allow China to directly exploit our natural resources in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) are issues that would raise eyebrows,” he said.

While Erice acknowledges that some provisions in the Constituion should be changed or improved, specifically the antidynasty provision, he said a Constitutional convention (Con-con) is the only viable way to amend the Charter.

“A Con-con is the only viable venue where we can come up with a well-studied Constitution,” he said.

Bills seeking to amend the Constitution are currently pending before Congress.

The Lower Chamber earlier adopted a resolution which seeks to convene Congress into a Constituent assembly (Con-ass) to amend the Charter.

It is also pushing for a joint voting of the Congress, which the Senate is strongly opposing.

Under a Con-con, changes would be proposed by representatives elected by the people, while in a Con-ass, the task of changing the Constitution would be given to sitting legislators.

The Cha-cha being proposed in the Congress could lead into a shift to a federal form of government, which was one of President Duterte’s campaign promises, and an advocacy of his party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). /jpv