FORMER House Speaker and Davao del Norte Representative, Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, is urging the Filipino people to unite in pushing for Charter Change in the Philippines.
Alvarez, who has been an outspoken proponent of shifting to a federal form of government, believes that this change will not only bring economic benefits but also provide opportunities for regions outside Manila to grow and prosper.
Alvarez strongly supported former President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to shift to federalism during his term as Speaker. He sees federalism as a way to promote regional development, attract more investments, and provide a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources. He also believes that federalism will address long-standing issues of poverty, inequality, and political dynasties in the country.
“Charter Change is not just a political issue, it’s a moral imperative! We owe it to our children and future generations to create a better, more prosperous Philippines,” said Alvarez.
Last March, the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention to amend the 1987 Constitution. At the same time, the Senate’s Committee on Constitutional Amendments led by Senator Robinhood Padilla has also been actively pushing for amendments to the Constitution, especially on the restrictive economic provisions. Even Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is fervently supporting the need to change certain economic provisions which he considered outdated and obsolete.
“We cannot afford to remain stagnant while other countries are moving forward. ‘Yang Vietnam nalang tignan ‘nyo. Nalagpasa na na naman tayo sa Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) has already surpassed us. Lagi nalang ba tayong magpapahuli? Kahit sa pagbibigay ng mas magandang oportunidad at mas maayos na pamumuhay para sa mga Pilipino? We must take action now and embrace this change for the sake of our people,” he exclaimed.
Alvarez believes that the systemic problem can be solved if the country shifts from unitary to a federal form of government. He says that decentralized governance will spur economic growth in the regions by giving them the right to self-determination.
“Mas malayo ka sa Maynila, mas maliit ang GDP share mo, mas mataas rin ang poverty incidence! Bakit? Because the majority of the resources and projects have been concentrated and implemented in the Imperial Manila. The inequality in terms of resource sharing has been a menace in the countryside that deprives these regions and provinces from progressing as they should be,” he said.
Moreover, Alvarez believes that a parliamentary form of government is worth exploring given that it may be more efficient and stable than a presidential form of government which is prone to instability and lack of continuity regarding long-term policies essential to pull the country out of its lackluster orbit.
Alvarez calls on groups who have been actively supporting constitutional reform to continue their efforts.
“I want to enjoin my fellow Kababayans to support the move to revise the Constitution, particularly the kind that hits all important points instead of just a few problematic provisions, especially if a complete revision helps uplift the lives of more Filipinos and give them a better and comfortable life they deserve,” he said.
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