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Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Oro traders back N. Mindanao federal state
By Lizanilla J. Amarga
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Local traders lauded President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's endorsement for a shift to parliamentary-federal system of government from the existing presidential form in her State-of-the-Nation Address (Sona) Monday.
Even before the House of Representatives could start discussions on charter amendments, the traders already wanted to have Northern Mindanao declared a separate state with Cagayan de Oro as its capital.
Cagayan de Oro Chambers of Commerce and Industry former president Milton Along said he agrees with President Arroyo in endorsing the parliamentary-federal system.
"She hit it right that we should go for amending the Constitution. I also agree that we should adopt a federal-parliamentary system," he said.
Along said Arroyo was right in saying that the country's economy was always in the verge of take-off but "because of political bickering it was held off time and again."
He said during former presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada's time, the country's economy could have already taken-off.
"But because of coups and other political instabilities all hopes for our economy to take off was shot down," he said.
With parliamentary-federal form of government, Along believes there could be a better chance to stifle down political bickering.
"I really believe we need to change the system of government," he said.
"And it would be good for Cagayan de Oro for when we turn into a federal state with Northern Mindanao as one state then I hope Cagayan de Oro would become its capital."
Another trader believes that the President's Sona was an appeal for sobriety.
"She addressed the political opposition and those waylaid by the enemies of the state not to squander hard-earned gains even as they disagree politically," he said.
"The country, she pointed out, is on the verge of taking off with more than six percent economic growth when this was pulled down by (countervailing issues plaguing the nation today)," he said.
"But she promised to forge ahead no matter what the political cost be. This is sending advance signal that she is prepared to implement the controversial expanded VAT once the Supreme Court decides to lift the temporary restraining order."
This local businessman commented on how Arroyo's proposal to amend the Constitution in favor of a parliamentary-federal form of government received a standing applause not only from the congressman but also from the local government executives who occupied a large portion of the gallery.
"A big majority of Visayas and Mindanao local government officials went to the Batasan building to listen to the President's Sona," he said.
"The President said she wants to put an end to the bureaucratic red tape in the central government of the local government through a federal system. She proposed a quick shift by calling for a constituent assembly," he said.
This trader said this proposal is "actually hitting two birds with one stone--easing the pressure on her to resign as this would effectively cut her term and coming out with a parliamentary federal form of government." (Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex)
Related links:
Sona 2005
Sona 2004
Sona 2003
Sona 2002
Sona 2001
(July 27, 2005 issue)
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