MikeLigalig.com

By June Blanco

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) has urged Congress to push for Charter change through a Constitutional convention (Con-con).

The move came in the form of a resolution the LPP passed during its general assembly Friday at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, this city.

Introduced by Govs. Erico Aumentado of Bohol and Enrique Garcia of Bataan, G.A. Resolution No. 2008-020 underscored the imperative need to amend the Constitution in order to change the present form of government to either presidential-federal or parliamentary-federal, and other provisions that could respond adequately to the Philippines’ economic development.

In opting for Con-con, both governors defended it, saying it is more democratic, participatory and the least controversial among the three modalities in amending or revising the Constitution.

The LPP resolution also proposed that in order to save time, money and efforts, the delegates of the Con-con shall be elected together with the candidates of the May 2010 elections. The convention shall be given a term of one year â€" and the necessary appropriations â€" to draft the amendments.

.At the same time, Congress shall institute the necessary measures for the convention to comply with its mandate to draft the amendments that shall be submitted to a plebiscite.

Aside from Senate President Manuel Villar and House Speaker Prospero Nograles, the LPP also furnished President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a copy of the resolution for her information.

The assembly unanimously adopted the resolution that was certified true and correct by Gov. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, secretary general, and attested by Govs. Mario Joel Reyes of Palawan, executive vice president, and Loreto Leo Ocampos of Misamis Occidental, national president. 

A parliamentary system wouldn't be sufficient for the Philippines; given the fragility of regional politics. A government would be sacked too quickly. I think it would be wise to adopt a Presidential-Federal government. Its far more unitarian; and would give power to the Executive and reduce the hogwash and political BS of the legislative.

Too many corrupt senators and congressman in the Philippines. Reduce their power.

Presidential-Federal Form would benefit the Republic.

Go for it.

after the implementation of the local government code (RA 7160), the next logical step in local autonomy is towards federalism. this way, power is decentralized and self-governance is taken to a higher level and given meaning to the fullest.