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What Is Federalism

Federalism is a form of government where sovereignty is shared between a central national government and constituent regional states or provinces. Under federalism, regional states would have primary authority over areas like industry, safety, education, healthcare, transportation, culture and finances, while the national government focuses on issues of nationwide importance like foreign policy and defense. This system would give regional states more autonomy than the current unitary system where most power is centralized in the national government in Manila. Examples of federal countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil and India.

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119 views

What Is Federalism

Federalism is a form of government where sovereignty is shared between a central national government and constituent regional states or provinces. Under federalism, regional states would have primary authority over areas like industry, safety, education, healthcare, transportation, culture and finances, while the national government focuses on issues of nationwide importance like foreign policy and defense. This system would give regional states more autonomy than the current unitary system where most power is centralized in the national government in Manila. Examples of federal countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil and India.

Uploaded by

Ridzsr Dharhaidher
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is federalism?

It is a form of government where sovereignty is constitutionally shared between a


central governing authority and constituent political units called states or regions.

In basic terms, it will break the country into autonomous regions with a national
government focused only on interests with nationwide bearing: foreign policy and
defense, for example.

The autonomous regions or states, divided further into local government units,
will have primary responsibility over developing their industries, public safety,
education, healthcare, transportation, recreation, and culture. These states will
have more power over their finances, development plans, and laws exclusive to
ther jurisdiction.

The central government and states can also share certain powers.

How is it different from what we have now?

We presently have a unitary form of government. Most administrative powers and


resources are with the national government based in Metro Manila. It's
Malacaang that decides how much to give local government units. The process
is prone to abuse, with governors and mayors sometimes having to beg
Malacaang for projects they believe their communities need.

How local government units spend their budget has to be approved by the
national government.

In federalism, the states will have the power to make these decisions with little or
no interference from the national government.

Examples of federal countries: United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, India,


Malaysia.

locals decide for themselves. Regions have their own unique problems,
situations, geographic, cultural, social and economic contexts. Federalism allows
them to create solutions to their own problems instead of distant Metro Manila
deciding for them.
The states can establish policies that may not be adopted nationwide. For
example, liberal Metro Manila can allow same-sex marriage which the state of
Bangsamoro, predominantly Muslim, would not allow. In the United States, some
states like Colorado and Washington have legalized recreational marijuana even
if other states have not.

This makes sense in an archipelago of over 7,000 islands and 28 dominant


ethnic groups. For decades, the national government has been struggling to
address the concerns of 79 (now 81) provinces despite challenges posed by
geography and cultural differences.

With national government, and thus power, centered in Metro Manila, it's no
surprise that development in the mega city has spiralled out of control while other
parts of the country are neglected.

More power over funds, resources. Right now, local government units can
only collect real estate tax and business permit fees. In federalism, they can
retain more of their income and are required to turn over only a portion to the
state government they fall under.

Thus, local governments and state governments can channel their own funds
toward their own development instead of the bulk of the money going to the
national government. They can spend the money on programs and policies they
see fit without waiting for the national government's go signal.

Promotes specialization. The national and state governments can specialize in different
policy domains. With most administrative powers now with the regional governments, the
national government can focus on foreign policy, defense, and other nationwide concerns, like
healthcare and taxation.
States have more autonomy to focus on economic development using their core
competencies and industries. The state of Central Luzon can focus on becoming
an agricultural hub. The state of Mimaropa, home to Palawan, can choose to use
eco-tourism as its primary launch pad.

Possible solution to the Mindanao conflict. The creation of the state of


Bangsamoro within a federalist system may address concerns of separatists who
crave more autonomy over the administration of Muslim Mindanao.

Decongestion of Metro Manila. Through fiscal autonomy for state


governments, federalism will more evenly distribute the country's wealth. In 2015,
35% of the national budget went to Metro Manila even if it represents only 14% of
the Philippine population.

Lessens dependence on Metro Manila. When there is political upheaval in Metro Manila,
other regions that have nothing to do with the chain of events are left waiting for the resources
that ony the national government can release. With federalism, regions work independently of
Metro Manila for most concerns.

Brings government closer to the people. If detractors say federalism will only make local
political dynasties more powerful, supporters give the argument that, in fact, it will make all
local leaders, including those part of political dynasties, more accountable to their constituents.
State governments will no longer have any excuse for delays in services or projects that, in the
present situation, are often blamed on choking bureaucracy in Manila.
Assuming more autonomy for regions leads to economic development, there will
be more incentive for Filipinos to live and work in regions outside Metro Manila.
More investors may also decide to put up their businesses there, creating more
jobs and opportunities to attract more people away from the jam-packed mega
city.

Encourages competition. With states now more self-reliant and in control of their
development, they will judge themselves relative to how their fellow states are progressing. The
competitive spirit will hopefully motivate state leaders and citizens to level up in terms of quality
of life, economic development, progressive policies, and governance.
CONS

Possibly divisive. Healthy competition among states can become alienating creating rivalries
and promoting the regionalism that some say already challenges the sense of unity in the country.
It could enflame hostilities between ethnic groups in the country like Tagalogs, Cebuanos,
Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Tausugs, and Zamboangueos.

Uneven development among states. Some states may not be as ready for autonomy as
others. Some states may not be as rich in natural resources or skilled labor as others. States with
good leaders will progress faster while states with ineffective ones will degrade more than ever
because national government will not be there to balance them out.
But in some federal countries, the national government doles out funds to help
poorer states. A proposed Equalization Fund will use a portion of tax from rich
states to be given to poorer states.

Confusing overlaps in jurisdiction. Where does the responsibility of state governments


end and where does the responsibility of the national government begin? Unless these are very
clearly stated in the amended Constitution, ambiguities may arise, leading to conflict and
confusion. For instance, in times of disaster, what is the division of responsibilities between state
and national governments?

May not satisfy separatists in Mindanao. Separatists are calling for their own country,
not just a state that still belongs to a larger federal Philippines. Federalism may not be enough for
them. After all, the conflict continues despite the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao.

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