Federalism in Philippines Federalism is a system of Government where certain state powers are divided, between a central authority and local governments. Local Governments exercise political, fiscal, and lawful autonomy in their jurisdictions. Central Governments take charge of the military, foreign policy, and overreaching state laws, among others. In a Federal System, Local Governments can formulate policies unique to their jurisdictions, and decide where to allocate tax revenues. Politicians have advocated the idea of a Federalism Government in this country. Some have been vested in a position using federal–based platforms. Shifting from Democratic to Federal requires an amendment in the constitution. There have been many attempts and desires to change the 1986 Constitution though it requires cautious evaluation. Politicians must view not just the Economic benefits but also the different spheres that will affect the Filipino People. A Mandate for reforming our Government into a Federal will be maladaptive in solving our country's problems and subsequent problems. We need to examine the arguments and to ask, do we really need a Federal Government? The most apparent attempt to shift to Federal was during the reign of former President Duterte. Even in his campaign, Duterte advocated and supported Federalism, stating that a Federal Government System would be the key to conflicts and prosperity. There has been a long haul in transforming a unitary government into a federal government, but unfortunately, the efforts failed. There have been critics of the proposal for a federal system and the premise that it would improve financial stability and promote peace. One of them is UP Professor Gene Lacza Pilapil. According to Professor Pilapil, "we're going to change our constitution based on faith, not arguments." Pilapil adds shifting from federalism is quite complex, and it would require an overhaul of the constitution and institutions like the court and the bureaucracy. That simple legislation or amendment of the local government code could address the same problems that federalism seeks to address. He also notes that many leaders lack the political maturity to make the federal government work. Proof of this, he said, is the number of turncoats when a new president is elected and the existence of political dynasties. The Business community remained optimistic but could not help to feel distrustful about Federalism. In a Federal Government, the government plans to divide the Philippines into 11 to 12 states lumping some rich and poor regions together. The Business community stated that it looks good on paper but be warned. Something may seem simple, but the details are complicated and likely to cause problems. Business leaders got a glimpse of how a shift to a federal state of government could affect them. They expressed reservations over Philippines proposed transition to Federalism. Business leaders are fretting over regions with their laws and tax rules, and what if some ended up electing local warlords? In conclusion, our country is not ready for a federal government. Our situation does not ensure that federalism will be suitable for solving our country's problems. We lack the in-depth knowledge and discipline to have a transition. We don't need to change our constitution. Simple legislation can solve what federalism seeks to resolve. Reference list CNN Philippines. (2016). What is Federalism? Retrieved from https://youtu.be/zx-jbCiUaR4. ABS-CBN News. (2017). Understanding Philippine-style federalism. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/rRCjNKuUcuQ. ABS-CBN News. (2016). U.P. professor warns of federalism risks. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/QeYHwqmcHZQ . GMA News. (2016). Federalism, balak ipatupad ni Duterte sa bansa. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/CC6wxRS1cuw. ABS-CBN News. (2017). Understanding Philippine-style federalism. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/rRCjNKuUcuQ. ABS-CBN News. (2018). Business Nightly: Businessmen wary of shift to federalism. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/N7w4GzJpf38. ABS-CBN News. (2018). Headstart: Federalism 'anti-poor' due to double taxation: Davide. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/pmRI_bT7LYU. PEP TV. (2016). Rodrigo Duterte on why federalism is good. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/cXApn30Vy3g.
