The News Today Online

Filipinos ready for shift of government

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Consultative Commissioner Carmen Pedrosa said there is a strong indication that Filipinos are ready for a change of government instead of involving themselves in a bloody revolution to cut short the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Pedrosa, in an interview with the local media, said Filipinos think that the change of government from the presidential to parliamentary is a better way of getting out of the political turmoil as well as economic problems. “The presidential form of government is a failure,” she said.0

The Consultative Commission is conducting regional consultations in the country relative to the proposed amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

Pedrosa, a long time advocate of parliamentary form of government, said the proposed revision on the 1987 Constitution will address the pressing issues which presently affect the government.

In the parliamentary form of government, there would be strong party and leadership. Public officials have more public accountability compared to the presidential form of government. 'Values come with a correct system in the government.'

In the proposed change, there is also permanency of political institutions as well as its members and better support from the party members or people in the government.

'If a politician transfers from one party to another, he or she will lose his or her term. This will also deter the political leaders from jumping from one party to another. Party power and discipline is inherent in the parliamentary,' Pedrosa added.

Pedrosa further said that in the proposed amendment, there is a plan to eliminate political dynasty in the Philippines. She admitted though that this proposal will face tough resistance among the political leaders.

In the country, even in Iloilo, political dynasty is happening. The powers are transferred from the parents down to their siblings and even to the in-laws.

The commissioner was also astounded of the political maturity of Ilonggos. They have high level of awareness in the proposed amendment in the Constitution and they are all in one believed that they don’t trust the congressmen to effect amendments in the 18-year old Charter.