Reiz Sandigan
Philippines
English for Academic Purposes Program
Cabadbaran City National High School
Federalism as a Pathway to Equitable Development in the Philippines
There has been a growing discussion about the possibility of changing to Federal
form and system for governance in the Philippines. Until now, the Philippines has
been operating under a unitary system of government with powers greatly centralized
in the national profectures. Our disappointment with regional imbalance and inept
governance has been emphasized by lack of a bottom up approach in addressing local
concerns(Dios 2015). Federalism proponents say that moving powers closer to where
people are so cyber provinces can address their unique issues better and ensure
regional development. This paper argues that federalism is a necessary step towards
balanced development, improved local governance as well as citizen participation all
over the archipelago.
The debate over the shift to a federal system of government in the Philippines has
gained significant traction in recent years. The Philippines have been historically a
unitary state, where all powers rests with the national government. It has consequently
given rise to issues of regional disparities, poor governance and a lack of local
responsiveness (De Dios 2015). Advocates for federalism argue that decentralizing
might give local governments more leverage to solve their respective problems and
push forward area development. The paper argues that a federal structure is vital for
securing equitable development, deepening local governances and increasing citizen
participation spread out along the archipelago.
Critics of federalism raise several concerns. They first claim that a federal setup
would enable more corruption and mismanagementat the local level, citing examples
from other countries where decentralization has resulted in local officials exploiting
their power for personal gain (Bardhan & Mookherjee, 2006). Additionally,
opponents express fears that federalism may exacerbate regional disparities,
suggesting that wealthier regions could dominate resources and policymaking, leaving
poorer areas further marginalized (Sidel, 2008). Finally, critics point out the logistical
and legal challenges of moving to a federal system with some even if only suggesting
potential chaos and disruption in governance at this crucial time (Caballero-Anthony
2019).
These problems are real, but they do not more than offset the possible advantages of a
federal system. While addressing the issue of corruption, we are reminded that
according to World Bank(2000) in general terms decentralization with strong
accountability can reduce corruption by bringing governance closer to people. Local
democracy, which encourages decentralization of power and empowers local
governments with the ability to make their own decisions themselves is easier for
citizens to access accountability, hence it leads towards transparency. Secondly, a
federal system can address regional disparities effectively with the right kind of
frameworks and fiscal policies. According to the Asian Development Bank (2017),
thriving federal systems are equipped with conditional mechanisms by which relative
laggards can obtain supportive assistance in order that all areas improve their
condition.
The benefits of adopting a federal system in the Philippines are significant.
Empowering local governments fosters responsiveness to regional needs, which is
crucial given the country’s diverse cultural and economic landscape. A study by the
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (2019) indicates that local autonomy can
lead to more effective public service delivery. Additionally, federalism encourages
greater citizen engagement in governance; research by the National Economic and
Development Authority (2020) shows that when citizens have more say in local
governance, they are more likely to participate in civic activities, strengthening
democratic practices. Moreover, federal systems can enhance accountability by
creating multiple layers of government. According to a report by the United Nations
Development Programme (2015), decentralized governance structures allow citizens
to hold local leaders accountable, leading to better governance outcomes.
In conclusion, transitioning to a federal system of government in the Philippines
presents a vital opportunity to enhance local governance, boost citizen engagement,
and improve accountability. While concerns about corruption, regional disparities,
and the complexities of implementation are valid, these can be addressed through
strategic planning and robust oversight. To ensure a successful transition,
policymakers should prioritize public consultations, training programs for local
officials, and a phased implementation approach. By doing so, the Philippines can
create a more responsive and inclusive government that meets the diverse needs of its
population. Embracing federalism is essential for fostering equitable development and
empowering citizens throughout the archipelago.
