Last week, Sen Aquilino Pimentel and 10 other senators presented Joint Resolution No 10 which seeks to change the Philippines to a federal system. With almost half of the senators co-sponsoring it, it should be unchallenged in the Senate. It will then move onto the House of Representatives where it is already gaining momentum, thanks to the support of House Speaker Prospero Nograles and former speaker Jose De Venecia.

The lawmakers want the creation of 11 semi-autonomous states, the transfer of the legislative branch to Central Visayas and the judiciary branch to Northern Mindanao – The executive branch will remain in Metro Manila. These proposals would involve amending the constitution which always creates controversy. But political analysts say that the change is necessary for peace and development in the country. They were also quick to point out that changing to federalism doesn’t require us to move to a parliamentary form of government – We can still have a president.

But whatever the Congress agrees on, it will still be up to the people to decide if it’s acceptable. Rep Rex Gatchalian suggested that the constitutional amendments can be voted on by the people during the 2010 national elections.

Is it time to say goodbye to Imperial Manila?

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