General Theme 1:

Perceptions of the Public Towards a Federalist System in the Philippines

Codes Open-ended Interview Subthemes

Decentralization Researcher: What are your perceptions of a federalist The Decentralized

system for the Philippines? Governance Under
a Federalist
PS2: My perceived idea about a federal system for the System as
Philippines is that... if we base it on the U.S. and Perceived by the
Canada, there is a hierarchy of power, from the Public
national government down to the local and lower
governments. So, there is more decentralization that
will better prioritize regions that are not given more
focus within a democratic system.

SHS4: I agree that the Philippines should have a

federalist type of government. So, since the Philippines
already has decentralization, I think it would be better
as well to advance to a federalist government since
there are like cities or regions within the Philippines
that aren't as advanced compared to others.

LS2: I have seen what is actually being proposed in

federalism, and that is to divide every region.

P1: Actually, the movement with regards to federalism

started during the time of Duterte. The primary purpose
behind its implementation is to completely decentralize
the control or hold, shifting it away from the center—
which is Manila, and distributing it more evenly. With
this, every region or province has the sole authority
over their area of jurisdiction

LS1: One of pros of federalism is that it decentralizes

power from the national government to its subdivisions
resulting in a more effective governance.

P2: Okay, with regards to federalism, in my own

perspective, there is a positive aspect since within this
system we are dividing the government into two
components: the central and the regional governments
 which will be separated in terms of governance,
financial, infrastructure, and other areas of services.
So, with this divide and separation, our government
won't be too centralized.

RV2: Although federalism often carries a negative

connotation here, I think that there are still benefits that
we can draw from it such as the deepening of
decentralization. While decentralization already exists
in our current form of government, a federalist system,
on the other hand, allows every region to focus on the
management of their own resources.

SK1: Although we are decentralized, it is much better.

With the division that is caused by the federal system,
we can create our own legislative branch.

PS5: In a federalist system, decentralization and

devolution becomes more widespread compared to our
current government.

Local Autonomy
PS3: So, if we'll have a federalist system, it will
increase local autonomy.

SHS 1: If there is a potential benefit of shifting towards

a federalist system in the Philippines, that would be an
independent state or even region within the
Philippines.

RV1: If we talk about governance, a federal system is

advantageous because, for example, in our city,
Maasin City... if we put Maasin City in a federal
system, it will develop more since we already have our
source of income and we also have our way of
governance wherein we don't need to depend on the
national government anymore.

SK2: My main point is that a federalist system would

increase local autonomy. So, this entails a responsible
local government that effectively caters to local needs.
That is why, in some way, a federalist system could be
 more effective.

P1: From what I know, in a federalist system, they

would have their own governance and would only
contribute a certain percentage to the central
government. This way, they can manage their own
affairs and focus more on their specific region rather
than relying on the main areas.

LS2: With regards a federalist system, there will be

minimal interference from the national government
towards the local governments.

SHS4: I do believe that if we transition to a federalist

system, the Philippines can grow into a much better
country which can also compete with others, especially
if they like they give the regions their own local
autonomy as well because if they're given the chance
to grow within themselves or within their local
autonomy, then it can also help improve the country as
well.

PS4: Maybe, the potential benefits include having their

own goods, services, and resources in every region.
One specific advantage, or what I can identify, is that
regions like Davao, Cebu, Ormoc, and some specific
areas in Manila can be more independent.
Creation of
Regional States
RV1: For example, in the Visayas, under federalism,
regions like Region 6, Region 7, and Region 8 would
all be integrated and are able to develop faster.

PS5: Based on my understanding of a federal

government, it's like you are building a state just like in
Canada and the U.S.

SHS2: Base on what I understand, there will be

separate states, each with their own laws and policies.

SHS5: I think a federalist system would be about

separating the regions. So, for example, Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao would become separate
states.
 P1: If we had a federal system, it would be like having
governors, similar to that of U.S. with its 50 states,
where each states have a governor or a mayor as its
leaders. So, politically, other provinces would have a
chance—for example, in a Federal State of Visayas,
our local politicians would have a better chance to
govern properly.

Increased Researcher: In your opinion, what are the potential Benefits that can
Responsiveness benefits of shifting towards a federalist system? be Generated from
of Local a Federal System
Governments LS2: If we have separate federal states, we can have According to the
an immediate or quick response to the needs of the Public
citizens, especially here in region 8.

PS3: So, if we'll have a federalist system, it will

increase local autonomy, right? If that's the case, the
local governments will become more responsive within
their respective regions.

SK2: So, if a federalist system is to be implemented,

regions will have their own funds which would allow
them to act more quickly and efficiently to meet those
needs

P2: I know that our government is capable of

accomplishing our targeted income. With that, the
needs of the people will really be addressed and a
better and organized delivery of services will be given
to the people. That's my perception about it.

SK1: So, one of the benefits that a federalist system

could bring is that it can bring the services closer from
the central government.

PS4: My main point is that a federalist system would

increase local autonomy. So, this entails a responsible
local government that effectively caters to local needs.
That is why, in some way, a federalist system could be
more effective.

SHS3: People will be more ready to address specific

 issues, for example, if we imagine Maasin in a
federalist setting, it will be easier for the people to relay
their concerns to the government compared to how
their problems are being addressed right now.

Local LS2: We can gain something from this because region

Government’s 8 has transshipments, it goes from Mindanao to Luzon.
Freedom in So, they pass through our ports and main highways.
Managing So, we can utilize—not to overreact, on the economic
Resources aspect. We have potential benefits with businesses
passing through Luzon and Mindanao. Also, we have a
lot of universities in region 8. We can utilize our new
graduates to create jobs like in BPOs because, usually,
after graduating, they tend to go and work in Cebu and
Manila. So, instead, if we have a federal government,
we will create our own economic zones to employ
these new graduates.

SK2: Okay, so I think a federal system in our country is

good because local areas will have the freedom to
raise their own funds. If we rely on the national
government, the distribution of funds to different
regions tends to be unequal.

P1: So, for me, this is one of its benefits since the
generated incomes and revenues will belong solely to
the respective regions.

RV2: While decentralization already exists in our

current form of government, a federalist system, on the
other hand, allows every region to focus on the
management of their own resources. Because they are
already granted greater autonomy in such situations,
this will encourage them to use their resources
sustainably. So, I guess the wealth distribution will
become more equal because whatever income is
generated, it will remain within that region. And the
management of such will be up to the authorities of
that specific region.

P2: So, if federalism circulates only in our area, the

advantages are, it will help our place prosper more and
our economy will also improve. Because our leaders
 will strive to provide jobs for the people so we can
generate our own income, then we can provide for our
needs not just for infrastructure or any other needs. It
will most likely be met because the government will
strive to do so.

SHS4: Why not we also generate our own, you know,

economic opportunities locally. Because in the federal
system, whatever your revenue will be, the most part
will be retained within the the federal state and only a
small amount will be submitted to the national
government.

General Theme 2:

Specific Concerns and Challenges Expressed by the Public Towards the Potential
Implementation of Federalism in the Philippines

Codes Open-ended Interview Subthemes

Lack of Researcher: Do you believe that transitioning to a The Barriers When

Preparedness for federalist system could lead to more effective and it Comes to
the Philippines to efficient governance in the Philippines? Please Implementing
Transition into a Explain. Federalism in the
Federalist Philippines
System PS4: Well, for me, the Philippines is not yet ready for a
federalist system. One of the things that influenced me
is that our country is still a third-world country, so if the
Philippines goes for this, there is a big possibility that
the people and the government will have a harder time.

PS5: So, when we talk about a federal government

like the U.S. and Canada, I can say that the Philippines
is not ready for a federal government. Why? I don't
agree that the Philippines is ready for a federal
government because first of all, I believe that we are a
developing country and it is a very big factor for us if
we change our government system. So, I think that we
cannot handle a federal government.

LS1: As a developing country, I think the Philippines is

not yet ready to transition into a federalist state,
 considering that our current government is not yet
stabilized. There are still challenges in fostering good
governance both in the national and local.

RV3: For me, a federalist system is not applicable in

the Philippines because there are regions that do not
have enough income to sustain themselves under such
system. So, we’re not ready.

SHS2: Our country still needs improvement before

transitioning to a federalist system.

PS5: So, I think that we cannot handle a federal

The Potential for government. Because based on my understanding of a
Federalism to federal government, it's like you are building a state
Exacerbate just like in Canada and the U.S. And if we build states,
Existing the provinces that are lacking in resources will be put
Inequalities at a disadvantage.

LS1: Federalism, however, may result in more conflict

since not all regions are productive and industrialized
and each of them also have different conditions.
Hence, it may create competition and disadvantages
among various sectors in the community.

SHS2: For me, no. Because the transition to a

federalist system, like what I have said in question
number 3, there are localities that still need assistance
because they are not like Luzon that is more high-tech
and has a large number of populations.

P1: If we consider it, once regions become

independent, they will have their own projects to
implement. But we all know that the Philippines is
prone to calamities and typhoons. And there are
specific areas that are frequently devastated. The
question is, what if that specific area does not have the
means to support its people in times of crisis? Under a
federalist system, other regions will be focusing on
their localities too. With this, there is a possibility that
those affected areas will lack support and there will be
less disaster relief and assistance coming from other
regions. So, there is inequality. Especially in Luzon and
NCR, they are more high tech compared to Visayas
 and Mindanao.

RV4: If we are to build federal states, underdeveloped

regions will surely be put at a disadvantage.

Corruption

SHS2: One of the factors that prevent federalism from

fostering in the Philippines is that our leaders are
corrupt, they don't care about our country

LS1: Transitioning to federalism would further create

corruption to the detriment of the Filipino people.

PS5: Our situation now is a mess and many leaders

are involved in corruption.

SHS1: My perception towards a federalist system, in

terms of implementing it in the Philippines, is that I
would disagree for it to be applied here in our country.
Because no matter what the political system of the
country is, I think that the Philippines will not be able to
develop as long as corruption persists. As long as that
factor is not changed, the country will not progress, be
it in a federalist or democratic system.

RV4: Corruption will ruin it. It's unnecessary to change

the constitution, it's not feasible because it's a huge
task, and the Philippines has many other problems.

PS2: The situation in our current system is chaotic,

even in leadership alone, there is much corruption and
imbalance.

SK1: Corruption will be rampant because there will be

no checks and balances.

RV1: The unfortunate thing is, there are indeed

benefits, but there are also many things that can cause
harm. Because the money will just be focused on
corruption by those in charge of our province, our
region.

Political Dynasty P1: What good is a new system for if it is corrupted?

 SK1: One of the significant effects of this is the
growing risk of political dynasties because, usually, in
region 8, there are only a few provinces. So, whoever
is dominating each province, there is a big possibility
that they will still be the ones dominating our state or
region.

LS1: I do not think that transitioning to a federalist

system could lead to a more effective and efficient
governance in the Philippines. It would rather create
political dynasties which are prevalent in our political
context and would furthermore promote the "padrino
system" granting more power and influence to those
business tycoons.

PS4: Not yet, for now. Still, I believe that it will be

applicable in the future if our justice system is fixed and
the rampant political dynasty is completely removed.

SHS3: Political dynasties will even become more

prominent as regions gain independence.

RV2: So, if we will push for a federalist system, political

dynasties will worsen since those families and clans
Bad Leadership already holding positions will remain in control.

P1: Are we really sure that these kinds of benefits will

reach the people? Because we don’t really understand.
Even regional or provincial leaders, if they can’t
implement this properly for their area, it will be useless.

PS2: If a federal system will be implemented now, my

opinion is that the Philippines is not yet ready. First, we
need a much stronger leadership.

SK2: I can't say in general, that it will be effective for

the whole Philippines. Because in a federal system,
regional administrations are concentrated in one place.
So, if it's in one place, whoever leads that place, if the
leaders are not capable, then it will not be effective.
So, it will still depend on the leaders.

RV2: I don't think so that a federalist system would be

the solution for having an effective or efficient
governance in the Philippines. What we need right now
are effective government leaders, not a sudden change
of system since it is costly and you need to change the
entire constitution. So, what we need right now, is to
elect leaders that are effective and at the same time,
prioritizes the welfare of the people. So, changing the
system is not the solution, instead, it is about reforming
the quality of leadership.

LS2: Still, the success of a federalist system will be

hindered as long as bad leadership and poor
governance is being tolerated.

SHS1: The existing leaders in our country right now

makes me the doubt the effectiveness of a potential
federalist system.