A Shift to Federal Form of Government, Why Not?

As a Filipino I have my own opinion with regards to a shift in the form of government as proposed by the incoming Duterte Administration.

Federalism – definitions:

Federalism by 'Merriam-Webster'

Federalism by Vocabulary.com

As I watched an interview by Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez to the Founding Chairman of the PDP Laban(if I get it right) former senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel in Reaksyon on TV5 5/29/2016 – it gave me additional information about it.

I would definitely choose to agree with having the Federal form of Government. It is the type that delegates the responsibility of every state to its own Governor.  I thought before that implementing it would mean that every province or region would be independently governing itself. But, the constitution CAN define the division (consisting of several provinces to be considered as one state) like the example of Pimentel, he would suggest eleven federal territories to consist the country  -  with the Bangsamoro Region, Bicol Region (I will update this list  as soon as I got  the  copy  of the interview , not able to jot it down).

This would somehow abolish the need for a separate Bangsamoro Basic Law Policy.  It gives freedom to each federal territory the capability of running its own affairs without the long process of centralized governance.  The National government can concentrate on other matters like the empowerment of government forces (police, AFP, Marine and Air Force) foreign relations and policies as well as the national matters as a whole.

Thoughts about the 'NO UNIFORM POLICY'

I was in doubt if I had to laud the incoming President Duterte on his plans of implementing the ‘NO UNIFORM’ policy on government-owned/public schools here in my country, Philippines because of the following reasons I want to share with you:

The idea at a glance can help cut the cost on educating students.  I have said at a glance because, if we have to think deeper – it will be added burden for parents to produce presentable clothes that their children can wear in school.  The frequent use of SAME clothes can be a subject to criticism and mockery of bullies might later cause the underdog shame eventually leading to episodes of unwillingness of going to school.

This will also affect the well-being of the children feeling inferior of others wearing flashy and expensive clothes unlike when wearing uniform that everybody dons a white top and a blue pleated  skirts for girls or blue  shorts for boys –  nobody looks better than the others.  Students, especially little children who do not know much about parents’ budgeting might feel insecure and pity themselves for not having what others have. 

Why Duterte Won the Presidency

People around the world are a bit shock why Duterte won the presidency. He was showered with black propaganda and a lot of people criticize him for his rumored 'killer' image.  Why still he won the hearts of almost sixteen million Filipinos who voted him in the recently concluded elections.  

My analysis is that he is not the a 'trapo' (traditional politician) who always makes so many promises but if you are going to look at previous accomplishments - there is nothing impressive that can be proud of...and he is VERY VERY honest to the point that he is like an open-book revealing every secrets within.  He never brags of his being playboy but never denies his concubine.  He did not change the way he speaks how ever tactless he is - speaking of bad words not worthy of being a Christian as others might thought of him.  But the good thing  is that, we see who he really is unlike the others who are being playful, tactless plus corrupt behind the eyes of the public displaying image far from what we see as they project in the outside world.

I was impressed when I watched him during the debates, I never thought that he is that brilliant!He is a lawyer. Honestly, I see him as a 'gang leader' before, all-fist and no more BUT after the debates he emerged as a real good candidate to be the next leader of this land. He is not just sturdy, but witty! Possessing a will power that made Davao City a peaceful community bagging the fourth rank in Asia.