Federalism is the dispersing system of the local governments, which is a final decision

to complete the authority of the nation. It creates various zones of the nation, and these
zones are called states. It is highly dispersing in the first countries by several different
regions, which can govern itself, to some extent. This system is representing specific
and sometimes overlapping geographical areas.

Under the federalist system of government, each of the units of government has his
constituent and central authority. It is divided by different social, political, moral and
economic persuasions in the whole country under every current state constitution.

With these characteristics of federalism, it enables suitable development for the

Philippines. It delivers benefits and significance that effortlessly fits our country.

Federalism acts as a tool to protect against tyranny. One of the most important points of
federalism in dividing the power between the national government and state
governments, and spreading the national government’s power among three branches that
serve as a check and balance on each other. It prevents the abuse of power of hungry
rulers just like what our history tells during the Hitler regime. The diffusion of power in
federalism is shared with state governments that serves as a means to make sure that all
power is not centralized into a single person or group of people, since excessive power
among a single group tends to be corrupting.

The sharing of power to state governments fills the gap and makes it closer to the level
of the common citizen which makes them more involved into the government,
government policy, and lawmaking. It will enable to locals to decide for themselves.
Federalism allows them to create solutions to their own problems instead of distant
Metro Manila deciding for them.

The states can establish policies that may not be adopted nationwide. For example,
liberal Metro Manila can allow same-sex marriage which the state of Bangsamoro,
predominantly Muslim, would not allow. In the United States, some states like Colorado
and Washington have legalized recreational marijuana even if other states have not.
This makes sense in an archipelago of over 7,000 islands and 28 dominant ethnic
groups. For decades, the national government has been struggling to address the
concerns of 79 (now 81) provinces despite challenges posed by geography and cultural
differences.

Federalism promotes specialization in accordance of the region. The national and state
governments can specialize in different policy domains which will enable the national
government to focus on foreign policy, defense, and other nationwide concerns, like
healthcare and taxation. States have more autonomy to focus on economic
development using their core competencies and industries. The state of Central Luzon
can focus on becoming an agricultural hub. The state of Mimaropa, home to Palawan,
can choose to use eco-tourism as its primary launch pad.
The “Imperial Manila” will be demolished and decongested. The large pie of Metro
Manila in the Philippine budget (even though the population its only 14% of Luzon) will
be fairly fixed and will run with their own which will lessen the dependence of regions on
Metro Manila in approving decisions and other contexts.

Federalism will also more likely be the solution to the Mindanao conflict − Bangsamoro
which is previously discussed by the 1st speaker. The creation of the state of
Bangsamoro within a federalist system may address concerns of separatists who crave
more autonomy over the administration of Muslim Mindanao.

But a major advantage of federalism is that the states will have more power over their
funds and resources. They do not have to rely on collecting real estate tax and business
permit fees. In this system, 80% of their total earned income stays while only 20% goes
back to the national government. This means that states are capable to convey their
own income for their own development, creating policies and programs suitable for them
without having to wait for the permission of national government. Within the 80% budget
that remains with these states, 30% will be funneled to the local state government and
70% will be allocated to the cities, municipalities and barangays. With federalism
sharing administrative decentralization and fiscal autonomy among states, genuine
autonomy is achieved.

I have now presented my points and I would like to thank you all for listening.