Decentralization, A Way Out. Part 7

About the only good thing we see in the Senator Pimentel's resolution calling for a Constituent Assembly to move towards federalism is that it opens up a dialogue that may eventually lead us to see the light. While we agree with the challenges it seeks to address, the solution suggested is downright unacceptable. The proposed system is so expensive and unwieldy that it may do more harm than good. How much would cost to maintain 11 State Officials and employees? How would it function?

And it is an exercise in futility. Can anyone imagine a plebiscite voting to have 70 senators and 350 representatives? It would rather vote for the abolition of both houses! Maybe the idea would not be so bad if the alternative is not so workable, not so inexpensive and not so effective. But it is!

And what might it be? Local autonomy, plain and simple! Review the Local Government Code of 1991 authored by Senator Pimentel himself. The answers are all there. We doubt if senility or ulterior motives it all, but we can't understand why the father of local autonomy would spouse federalism rather than decentralization. Where was he all the time that the Code needed to be updated?

It's been 17 long years and the League of Provinces are still pushing for amendments! It is supposed to be dynamic. It is so provided in the code itself: a visit every five years. Did Congress do what it is supposed to do with the Code? No. And its author was too busy with the ambition of his son to even let out a whimper. Who knows that the adjustments that might have produced effective leaders of LGU's, rather than heel licker who wouldn't dare question Gloria abuses even if they themselves are the victim.

Our failure to devolve more powers enabled Gloria to use and abuse all the powers given to her. And who can stop any of her successors from doing the same thing? This is why we appeal to all senators and congressmen. Get real. Stop this nonsense about federalism. Listen to the League of Provinces. Maybe what they want is not even enough. Put safeguards and guidelines, but give it. Give them now as much as you would to federalism. It could be our sure and easy way out. Also Gloria's. Do it now while we still can.