MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte did not mention federalism and charter change in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Duterte has long been pushing for a shift from a unitary to a federal form of government, believing this would spur countryside development in the Philippines. The Mindanaoan president has long held that opportunities for progress have been limited due to "imperial Manila." Duterte wants to shift power from 'Imperial Manila' Three years into his term, however, Duterte changed his tune on federalism and instead said he wants a change in the Constitution. In a speech during the oath-taking of newly elected local officials and Hugpong ng Pagbabago senators in Malacañang last June, Duterte acknowledged that the shift to federalism was not likely to happen during his administration. His 6-year term will end in mid-2022. He added, however, that the Constitution should be changed. "Kaya it’s not for me, in my generation, somebody … [Read more...] about No mention of federalism, charter change in Duterte’s 4th SONA
Charter change
Week in Review: Crucial weeks ahead for charter change
What is surprising to observers, analysts and of course, newspaper editors, is that the total number of proposals for charter changes – more than 3700 – which could take some time to get consent from the chambers. This is the product of the 45-member Joint Constitutional Amendment Committee’s five months of intensive work. Despite initial protests, Tatmadaw (military) MPs later joined the committee. However, a brief report by the committee stated that the military MPs said the committee’s conduct in amending the constitution had violated the charter’s chapter 12. The report also expressed a pathway for the process to continue. In drafting the bill to amend the charter, the joint committee will seek advice from the Myanmar government, Supreme Court and judiciary, chief ministers and parliamentary speakers of states and regions, ethnic affairs ministers, representatives of self-administered regions, ethnic and party representatives, and legal experts. … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Crucial weeks ahead for charter change
Charter-Change: For federal or selfish politics?
Charter-Change: For federal or selfish politics? President Rody Duterte’s selection of two Speakers was not only to end squabbling among his political pals. It is seen also to seal Congress’ rewrite of the Constitution to his liking. No permanent friends in politics, only permanent interests. Duterte wants federalized government. For some allies, federalism equals participative democracy equals progress. The second half of his term is his last chance for a shift. The House of Reps supermajority easily can hand him the three-fourths vote required to alter the 1987 Charter. But congressmen have vested interests. They will go federal only under certain conditions. That’s tested. The past House rushed in late 2018 a charter for selfish ends and, only incidentally, a federal switch. Shamelessly deleted were present term limits and political-dynasty ban. Inserted was a legislative power to bloat self-allocations; lessened was the number of … [Read more...] about Charter-Change: For federal or selfish politics?
OPINION: Charter Change the right way
It seems that President Rodrigo Duterte in the eyes of Filipinos can do no wrong. We also suffer that most peculiar American religion, “President-worship”. Some Filipinos actually believe that the President was "chosen" by God to bring judgement to an unfaithful people. The President spoke recently about charter change, but it is quite difficult to understand the exact meaning of this statement, "Kaya it’s not for me, in my generation, somebody else’s. But you should change the Constitution actually. Not for anything. If you do not want federalism, fine. But change the Constitution that would really change this nation. Sabihin ko sa inyo," Or this statement which he conveyed to the incoming leaders of the House of Representatives, “We have to change the Constitution, whether federal or whatnot”. Should we then expect the call for the convening of a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) in his coming State of the Nation Address? Maybe. The President can … [Read more...] about OPINION: Charter Change the right way
Drilon: Senators shun charter change talk for now
MANILA -- There are "no discussions" so far on efforts to rewrite the Constitution, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Tuesday, as lawmakers prepared to resume sessions in late July. Based on past legislative hearings, the public believes that lawmakers should not be at the forefront of charter change, Drilon told DZMM. Midway into his 6-year term, President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to deliver on his campaign promise to shift to a federal form of government to spread resources and political power to the countryside. "Wala pong pinaguusapan. Noong nakaraang Kongreso mayroong maraming public hearings tungkol sa pagbabago ng Saligang Batas. Ang pulso ng taumbayan ay wag niyo nang galawin yan," he told radio DZMM. (There are no discussions. In the previous Congress, we held public hearings regarding the amendment of the Constitution. The public has decided not to change it.) "Kung galawin niyo man, wag yung Kongreso ang gumalaw ng Saligang Batas at yan po ang sentiment na aming … [Read more...] about Drilon: Senators shun charter change talk for now