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Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Speak out: Federal form of government
By Cliff Sheppard
Lapu-Lapu City
I think a federal form of government would be a wonderful step forward for the Philippines if the system is fashioned after that of the United States.
What is federalism?
It is a form of government in which power is divided between a central government and several formerly independent regional governments.
In the Philippines, we have no truly independent regional governments--the national government controls everything.
The federal system allows regional governments to maintain partial autonomy after being subsumed into the larger central government.
The central government is responsible for matters of mutual concern to all regions, such as foreign affairs, defense and currency.
Regional governments are entrusted with other matters, such as education.
In the US, individual states surrender partial sovereignty but retain all rights and prerogatives not specifically assigned to the federal government under the constitution.
The authority of the central government and regional governments is specified in a written constitution.
Conflicts of authority between the central and regional governments is decided by a judicial authority, such as the Supreme Court.
A federal system means each provincial government becomes totally autonomous and then it must decide if it wants to become a part of a "united nation of provinces."
As an autonomous region each province would provide its own police force, establish and maintain an education system, establish civil laws such as marriage and divorce, business operation, taxation, etc.
Under this form of government attitudes must change, crab mentality must be abolished and we must work together for the betterment of all.
For autonomous regions, it is easier to uncover corrupt government officials and take appropriate corrective action.
In theory, we would have more qualified leaders if we use our intelligence when voting.
These leaders answer directly to the people and are judged on performance.
(December 28, 2005 issue)
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