Reforming the outdated 1987 Philippine constitution is harder than anyone can think of.
Federalism, though contentious and controversial, is a major issue that is beginning to take shape, considering that the president himself is taking up the cudgels for the movers of constitutional reforms and political change.
For practical reasons, there is a need to strategically sequester it by focusing the thematic federalism movement on an area that has the greatest substantial support from the populace: Mindanao itself.
If our suggestion is seriously taken up, Mindanaoans, who have mercifully agonized during the long decades of the unitary system, will actively go to the frontlines to pursue this course of action.
For one thing, those in Luzon and in the Visayas generally did not go through the painstaking struggles Mindanaoans did, one harrowing decade after another since after the first Philippine Republic in 1946 was inaugurated.
Though labeled by the late Pres. Ramon Magsaysay as the “Land of Promise,” Mindanao suffered ignominiously from a negligent central government, enduring more than 40 years of bloody Muslim secessionist rebellion and the creeping dread of the NPA atrocity.
For their own political benefit and to discomfit their enemies and their cohorts on the other side of the political fence, the sitting central executive authorities in Manila and Malacanang conveniently sidestepped the meatiest and most vital concerns of the conflict that had already cost thousands of lives both from the government side and the enemies of the state.
Today, as the present dispensation systematically gathers its staunch disciples and spread the gospel of federalism around the archipelago, the political horizon appears sunnier and less cloudy.
More respectable movants from the bench and bar led by the highly-esteemed retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, from social blocs and interest groups espousing genuine change, media practitioners and constitutional reformists, from laymen-farmers and the millions of OFWs crying for change are gathering themselves here and abroad.
As meaningful developments continue to impact our lives, Mindanao will showcase how unity of purpose, collective aspirations and peaceful co-existence can be achieved as the island eventually becomes the first federal state or becomes subdivided into regional federal groups.
Despite government lapses and oversights that normally occur in Third World governance, there is enthusiasm and excitement painted on the faces of peace-loving Filipinos over the positive results of the GRP-NDF/CPP/NPA peace negotiations at the Netherlands.
Because of this turnout, Mindanaoans can hopefully expect less and less of violent armed confrontations between government soldiers and the NPA. A much-welcomed bilateral truce or ceasefire may be in the works which, if it is inked beautifully, may meritoriously convince NPA cadres to return to the folds of the law.
The theory is that in federalism, everybody – Jose, Juan, Pedro and Andres – will be empowered to actively participate in policy decisions of the regional/provincial government because of the principle of self-determination.
Thus, in a federal type of government, those who previously did not have any voice or whose voices have been muted in policy-making of LGUs will have the opportunity to be heard, pro or con, of their sentiments.
There are five more years left in the incumbent administration within which to strike and hammer in the progressive, people-driven federalism idea.
Mindanaoans should be pleased and delighted. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
