Very rough sailing for Federalism, charter change?

It is more fun criticizing

Rizal Philippines
August 12, 2018

There are many signs on the wall that signals rough sailing for the approval of charter change for Federalism
No less than the allies of the administration, Sen Lacson openly declared that the said idea is about to cremated. (He  later said that it has become ashes)

 From GMA news. Cha2 for federalism about to be cremated at Senate

 The two top economic managers Sec. Dominguez and Pernia expressed concerns about the huge budget deficit that will be incurred resulting in down grade of  PHL credit rating, causing increase in borrowing costs.

From PDI - Moody's - shift to ffederalism downside for PHL economy

The surveys also show that many of those surveyed do not favor federalism.

Many are also critical of the contents of the proposed charter change, including the prohibition regarding its amendment (in case there was a mistake or a failure)

No doubt the administration will leave no stone unturned, expenditures will not be and issue and all means to get this thing pushed passed.

Another political experiment,  where at the end of the day, the majority of  people suffer and not thought of repairs are thought of as in the TRAIN law.   The law which was purportedly to benefit many due to higher tax exemption, resulted in price increase (inflation) officially pegged at nearly 6% But in reality, prices of say rice, fish, and meat resulted in 100% price increase.   Ano nangyari.?

This will call for wage increases which will result again in increase of prices. And the vicious spiral continue

With regards to excise tax on fuel (you only impose that on luxury  and harmful substances right and fuel is a necessity) resulted in an environment of high fuel prices.  And then subsidy is being made to jeepney drivers.  What is the whole point?  Sana wala nang excise tax sa fuel...

Countless difficulties emerging in the 2 year old government being run by imperial Mindanao

It is more fun criticizing

August 10, 2018

What has the leadership from imperial Mindanao wrought upon the Philippines?

Many difficulties and  disappointment:

1. Rising prices (inflation) brought upon by TRAIN law;

2. Rift in and weakening of the ruling party that brought the  top leadership to power

3. Emerging economic concern regarding the change in the form of government

1.  Prices of some essential commodities and services shot up due to excise taxes on fuel and some consumer goods brought about unprecedented increase prices. While the makers of the TRAIN law assured every one that price increase would be minimal,  it is not.   When cost of transporting goods and people goes up, a lot of price goes up.  So the BSP has to react further by raising interest  rates to rein in inflation causing financing costs to go up further putting pressure to raise price of goods.  After previous managers of past administration have tried to put the sound economic environment in place for growth, the same was put into
shambles.

2.  Lately there has been a squabble in the leadership of  legislative body; the head of Congress (who is from Mindanao was replaced by somebody from Luzon, a former President charged with numerous counts of plunder. (the freedom of whom was made possible by the support of the latter in the formers race to the top)  The grip of the top guy on the govt may be weakening

While the change in the power of legislature has been alleged to be upon the instigation of the family member, in a smart move, probably to strengthen hold on power, a new party was made which drew a lot of applicants.  Of late, there is perceived rift, and factions emerging in the ruling party that brought the current head of state to power

3.  And lately no less than the most senior of the economic manager (from Mindanao even) has expressed concern about the  fiscal provision of the proposed charter change (federalism) that  it would cause huge
budget deficit and which will downgrade the  Philippines credit rating thus again increasing cost of borrowing money from world capital market.   The economic managers were reported to shut up but that does not hide the  big problem later on.From PDI - Economic managers cite risk of charter change proposal

From Rappler - Criticism by PhD Candidate in Economics vs Bayanihan Federalism and Rise Up

The drafters of charter change are now rebuking the  DOF finance for speaking now vs the draft in Senate hearing... because allegedly, the latter was consulted on the draft before submitting the  same to the President.   Does it matter that as an after thought, the hard realities were recongized

Many of the populace are victims suckers to political experiments that were purported to bring more benefits to the people and  lessen poverty as promised.  But are these political changes really good for all?  One wonders if indeed they are.  If within the cabinet, there  are very serious doubts, what will be consequence to the nation 5 or 10 years hence. A typical case of fire and then aim. Only leadership from Mindanao can do that....

Defects noted in proposed Federalism new constitution

It is more fun criticizing

Rizal Philippines
July 18, 2018

Defects were noted and  criticisms were raised in today's hearing on the  proposed draft of federalism constitution at the Senate.   Among those who spoke were Associate Justice Mendoza, Adolfo Azcuna, and Neri Colmenares.  The former spoke about the transitory provisions and remandable rights of the citizen under the new provisions.

Neri Colmenares had cogent albeit stinging arguments vs the new proposed constitution:

1. New property rights to foreigners.  This would make land unaffordable to many Filipino citizens as this
    could cause price of land skyrocket and saying goodbye to land reform and food security;  (x only lease is allowed)

2.  Many new powers granted to the President: to use emergency powers even in case of cyber attacks, in case certain states do not follow the central govt.  While federalism seem to distribute powers, it would make the President very powerful.  While he promised to step down, nothing would seem to prevent him from running  again.

   Despite the proposed objective of democratizing power the states, on the contrary, the constitution and the provisional transitory provision would make the said office very powerful.

   While the federalism aims to diffuse budget  to the Visayas and Mindanao, current budgeting trends show the budget in those areas decreasing and central govt (NCR) increasing  (50% of national taxes shall go to federated states)

3.  There is spectre of Noel because of complications in timing, and term extensions of Senators (the term would be reduced to 4 years -  horse trading with Senators?)

4.  And above all, the new constitution prohibits its amendment in the future? WHAT?  (Reading the draft proves this to be false)

Academicians and professionals are against the proposed charter change. SWS and Pulse Asia shows that there is no sense of urgency of those surveyed to go on cha cha nor for federalism...

2/3 Filipinos opposed to Chacha and Federalism

Catholic Prelate Against cha cha

May be next time.  No forcing through please.  People had enough of forcing through.  PHL is not a city in Mindanao.

Salient provision of the draft federalism constitution.  From Rappler