How is the proposed federal system of government different from the

current system?

Brief History of Federalism in the Philippines

19th century
Jose Rizal – who first suggested the Federal government. He outlined his vision on Federelist
governance on his essay, “LAS FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN ANOS.”
Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini suggested to divide the Islands (Philippines) into three
federal states, (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao).

20th century
American period
Federalistas – a group of Filipino ilustrados who advocates for inclusion of the Philippines into
the United States of America headed by Pardo de Tavera.
Commonwealth period
Tydings-Mcduffie Act - Also known as Philippine Independence Act, provides the framework
of Philippine government system in which unitary and republican in nature, which draws heavy
similarity with U.S. political system and constitution.
Professor Jose Abueva – a UP Political science professor who initiates that Federal government
is necessary to more efficiently cater the needs of the country.
Fourth republic (1946-1971)
Martial law (1972 – 1982)
During the time of Marcos, there are some talks to amend the constitution. Prior to the
declaration of Martial Law, president marcos lifted the 1935 constitution and suspended the
freedom of rights and free speech under his term.
Tripoli Agreement of 1976 – the peace agreement between the philippine government and
moro muslim separatist group of Mindanao with the subsequent creation of an Autonomous
region in Mindanao (ARMM).

(1987-2008)
An autonomous (quasi-federal) regions were created during the Aquino administration; CAR
(CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION) and ARMM, 1989 and 1996, respectively.

Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. – a long time serving and veteran senator who suggested that
federal government is a key component in alleviating Mindanao crisis (2001). (Pimentel is also
the author of LGU Code of the Philippines of 1990).
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001-2008) – during 2008, former Pres. Arroyo proposes
to amend the charter of the constitution (Charter change) but quickly opposed by the congress
and the senate and failed to passed the Joint Resolution 10 and 15.

Present (2016 -
President Rodrigo Duterte – in 2014, he toured the provinces of the Philippines to advocate the
federalism and amend the constitution. During 2016 presidential elections, one of his main
campaign promise is to promote and change the form of government from Unitary to federal
form through constitutional assembly.

here are some points taken from Duterte-endorsed draft;

COMPARISON:
Proposed Federal draft (Duterte proposal) Current system (1987 constitution)

1. Decentralization of national government. 1. Strong National government

(Manila-centric), Art II Sec. 2
2. Greater local power and access to resources 2. Centralized government
procurement. Procurement of resources.
LGU Code of the Phil.
3.Philippines will be divided into federated regions. 3. Limited localized regions.
(ARTICLE X)
4. Foreign Direct Investment - a more open and direct 4. ARTICLE II SECTION 19
foreign ownership of business.
5. Parliamentary form of government 5. Unitary Presidential
Republic. Republic
ARTICLE II Section 1
6. Removal of the two-term limit for senators 6. ARTICLE VI SECTION 7
and three-year limit for district reps and party-list reps.
7. Revival of two-party system 7. ARTICLE VI SECTION 5
8. Candidate requirements for Vice- 8. ARTICLE VI SECTION 3
President and members of congress.
(college degree)
Current events:
Currently, Duterte administration has already endorsed the draft (Federal-parliamentary
form), but the Phil. Congress is not under obligation to adopt it in its current form. Thus, the
draft serves more as a reference point rather that the final substance of a NEW constitution,
which will have to be approved by a majority of electorate in a future referendum.