AGANA, ANDRIA R.

1-1BSA

Federalism is derived from Latin Expression FOEDUS meaning "Alliance, Coalition

Contract". Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by
two levels of government. Generally, an overarching national government is responsible for
broader governance of larger territorial areas, while the smaller subdivisions, states, and cities
govern the issues of local concern. Both the national government and the smaller political
subdivisions have the power to make laws and both have a certain level of autonomy from each
other.

According to Rey Magno Teves in his book Towards a federal republic of the Philippines
with a Parliamentary Government in the year 2014, Federalism in the Philippines can be
beneficial in two main reasons. One is to speed up economic development of the entire nation
and the other is to lay down the basis for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao. There is more
leeway for countries to modernize and develop under a federal set-up than in a centrally
governed system. According to José Veloso Abueva a Filipino political scientist and public
administration scholar who served as the 16th president of the University of the Philippines in
2014 Federalism preserves Historic diversity and individuality within the framework of a greater
national unit. Federalism facilitates the protection of minorities and provides that the national
minorities constitute a local majority in a clearly demarcated territory. Federalism protects
freedom. The vertical separation of powers strengthens the system of checks and balances and
helps contain the powers of the states. Federalism encourages democracy by providing more
levels of democratic participation. Federalism promotes efficiency.

As a student, I am Pro to Federalism because it promotes equality to all places in our

country. The Filipino people deserve a better place and a developed country. For me federalism
can promote peace specially for Mindanao. Our President Rodrigo Duterte promotes Federalism
because for him it will make our country great again. Also, for me people in the Philippines have
different needs that needs to be addressed and for that Federalism can help each different
places to have its own laws that suits to their place. As I read about federalism, in my
understanding it can also help far places in the Philippines to promote their tourist spots and
also federalism also promotes equal economic development to different states.

Federalism needs deeper and longer studies before it can convince people of the
Philippines either it is good or bad. it is important to think carefully about this issue because it is
for country and for our future. Our country is now in its rebuilding stage, we the people need to
intervene to our government so that in the end we will not be pointing finger to anyone but to
ourselves. We must be united and stand still to changes happening to our country because In
the end, we Filipinos are primarily concerned with this matter.