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FEDERALISM ARTICLES
Federalism a timely issue for Mindanao
THE proposal to establish a federal form of government while the conflict in Mindanao rages may not look right, but the right time may be now precisely to call attention - over and above the tumult - to its critical importance to the long-term solution to the centuries-old Mindanao problem.
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The fact is that more than at any other time since the issue of federalism was put forward some years back, it is just now that it is getting serious and immediate comments from responsible sectors concerned with peace in Mindanao - and the whole country.
For the first time, Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has sought to inform the public on the meaning of the term and how it will work to the advantage of the people, particularly in Mindanao.
"Many people don't know what federalism is," she said, and asked the senators espousing it to enlighten the public.
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Senator Miriam Santiago has said "The federal solution may not only be appropriate but also absolutely vital to the problem posed by Muslim Mindanao." She was also quoted by the newspapers as saying the passage of the federalism bill in the Senate is almost certain because of the "imperatives of the cultural and ethnic heterogeneity" in Mindanao.
But this is contradicted by Senate President Frank Drilon who feels the people may not be prepared to discuss it at this time precisely because of the present Mindanao crisis.
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The first to propose federalism for the Philippines was then newly elected Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. and then, separately, Sen. Sonny Osmeņa. Now they have revived it, joined by Senator Francisco Tatad and together are pushing for it more vigorously in the thick of the troubles in Mindanao.
The adoption of a federal form of government may well be the ultimate legal and political solution to the problem typified by the current MILF rebellion, Nene Pimentel said.
If realized, a federal state of the Bangsa Moro people will enable them to run and manage their own government affairs, continue to enliven their culture, practice their religion according to their belief, and enjoy the things they do according to their will under the law.
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Under the federalism bill, Pimentel explained, there will be no fragmentation of the Republic as some commentators fear. In fact, it assures greater national cohesion and unity as federalism offers "peace that is just to the Moro people" and to the country as a whole.
For his part, Tatad said that in a federal form of government the power and jurisdiction over national defense and foreign affairs is retained by the national government while each state would have jurisdiction over socio-economic programs.
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Despite assurances, however, opposition to the proposal continues not least from Mindanao leaders themselves, notably Governor Valentina Plaza of Agusan del Sur and City Mayor Adelbert Antonino of General Santos.
But in the case of Antonino, he objects to the proposal primarily because it would require Constitutional amendments which he thinks is an emotional issue that must not be touched at the moment.
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Expectedly, the federalism issue will stretch further but that it is gaining ground in terms of the discussions it generates is already an improvement, possibly with deeper understanding because of the current Mindanao crisis that is lending it a significant new dimension.
If it is good for Mindanao it may be good for the whole country, as its proponents insist. Let's hope Mindanao can wait.
Source Reference:
Title: Federalism a timely issue for Mindanao.
Author: Hern Zenarosa
Publisher: Manila Bulletin Inc., Manila, Philippines
Copyright Date: Tuesday, 30 May 2000
URL: http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED/Hern/2000/hz000530.asp
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