Federalism as the Solution to Philippines' Chronic Political Problems and the Key to Achieving National Peace and Economic Prosperity: A Position Paper It is well known that several groups in the political and social arenas signaled wideranging and major political and socioeconomic reforms, including a planned move from a unitary state to a federal form of government in the Philippines. Following the passage of the 1986 constitution, nearly every administration since President Aquino has suggested, or has been advocated, ideas for establishing a federal government. President Duterte has actively campaigned for this change and appealed for officials' cooperation, particularly to maximize regional development potentials and end decades of strife in Mindanao. Federalism is the concept or practice of distributing powers between member entities and common institutions based on federal principles. Unlike in a unitary state, sovereignty under federal political systems is distributed, frequently legally, between at least two levels, allowing units at each level to exercise final power and self-govern in some areas. Citizens therefore have political duties to two authorities, or their rights are protected by them. Some argue for federalism in the Philippines to promote autonomy, particularly in areas of cultural significance, such as Muslims in Mindanao. Others argue for the system to improve quality and efficiency in government, while others suggest it as a tool for economic and social transformation. Nationalists regard it as an "answer" for those who carry the torch for federalism. What, therefore, is the question if federalism is the answer? What issues does charter revision hope to solve that can't be solved by constitutional amendment, regular legislation, or executive action? Is a charter reform required to confront the risks to political and economic stability, or is it just a demand for character change? Federalism allows various groups of people from various parts of the country to live together. But why Federalism in the first place? The purpose of democracy is to give individuals a say in the decisions that affect their lives. Federalism is a strategic agreement that divides powers and duties between two main levels of government: the federal government and the state or regional governments. A central government manages matters of common concern in a federal system, it is accepted. Economic policy, foreign policy, and national defense are examples of these problems. It also ensures that individual territorial units, such as states, regions, or provinces, have some autonomy.
