Constituent Assembly: How it really affects us... in the right time.

Con-ass. Con-con. Whatever.
"It only lengthens GMA's presidency", "it brings us no good at all", "we don't need charter change, we need government change", etc.

These are the words that are coming out into the mouths of an archetypal Pinoy today.
Ask them what it really means and they will have no answer whatsoever, just referring to the above statements, only varied in word constructions but the same in wayward thoughts.

Why don't we launch into the deep and absorb some, if not all, absolute truths of the Constituent Assembly, whether good or bad?

Adopting the flabbergasting knowledge of Wikipedia verbatim of its Peshat form:

"A constituent assembly (sometimes also known as a constitutional convention) is a body composed for the purpose of drafting or adopting a constitution. Unlike forms of constitution-making in which a constitution is unilaterally imposed by a sovereign lawmaker, the constituent assembly creates a constitution through “internally imposed” actions, in that members of the constituent assembly are themselves citizens, but not necessarily the rulers, of the country for which they are creating a constitution."

(So that's why people don't bother to know Con-Ass, too complicated)
For all the internal bleeding you have had already reading the meaning of it, let's try to make it simple: In other words, translating Con-Ass in its Remez (allegoric) form (I would have considered Derash and Sod, the other two forms of the Kabbalah text, but I'm lazy enough): Federalism.

Whew! At last, something we know of!

So, let's consolidate Mr. Wiki again: Federalism is a political philosophy in which a group of members are bound together (Latin: foedus, covenant) with a governing representative head. The term federalism is also used to describe a system of the government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces). Federalism is a system in which the power to govern is shared between national and central(state) governments, creating what is often called a federation. Proponents are often called federalists.

Now, does that ring a bell? It's the same form of government as France, Belgium, Norway, Russia, German, Lithuania, Ireland, China, Italy, and most importantly, the "one who sneezes before we catch a cold",the United States of America.

The only con about this is that the Legislative and Executive branch of the republic is granted too much power.
So the latter is being scorned because of too much power, the only problem why its constituents hate it.

They don't like Gloria to reign again for another set of years, to see her poker-faced reactions around the once-heraldic and promising country called Las Islas Filipinas.

And maybe if GMA steps down and another face comes sitting in the highest seat of power, maybe if the corrupt government leaders with their "I-Promise-You" antics will be reformed and achieve a new clean life, maybe the Con-Ass will push and no one will stop it from being pushed.

That's why there's this thing called "S.T.O.P." - Sa Tamang Oras at Paraan
After all, aren't we all wanting to live a good luxurious life?

So granted GMA and her minions step down, granted that the good Lord from up above makes it happen, here are the staggering positive-positives of Con-Ass.:

Let's start by defining it's characteristics borrowed from Mr. Jose B. Abueva a UP Prof in PolSci:
1. two orders of government, (Federal and regional), each in direct contact with its citizens;

2. an official, constitutional sharing of legislative and executive powers, and a sharing of revenue sources between the two orders of government, to ensure that each has certain sectors of true autonomy;

3. designated representation of distinct regional opinions (regional interests, rights, welfare) within federal decision-making institutions, usually guaranteed by the specific structure of the federal Second Chamber (Senate);

4. a supreme written constitution that is not unilaterally modifiable but requires the consent of a large proportion of federation members;

5. an arbitration mechanism (in the form of courts or a referendum) to resolve intergovernmental disputes; and

6. procedures and institutions designed to facilitate intergovernmental collaboration in cases of shared domains (jurisdictions)

And like the first-day-of-school-introductions-with-expectations:

With greatly improved governance in a federal parliamentary democracy, gradually we shall be better able to develop greater human and institutional capabilities for good governance: (1) to solve our problems, meet our challenges and achieve our goals as a nation; (2) to effect needed change and reforms faster, and (3) to sustain our development and modernization. In this way we can achieve a just and enduring peace and accelerate nation-building and development for our people’s dignity, security, prosperity and welfare, and to enhance our country’s ability to participate in the global economy and community.

It's a gradual process actually, and because patience plays a big part in this kind of charter change, there must be a sense of cultivation regarding this matter. For us to achieve the said countries had, we must believe in our new government to deliver.

And as we go along, Prof. Abueva and his sagacious understanding of this, we see the advantages, not only financially but also in terms of being "friends" with other religions/ethnics/cultural diversities. A few notes:

The Federal Republic will build a just and enduring framework for peace through unity in our ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, especially in relation to Bangsa Moro or Muslim Filipinos and our lumad/indigenous peoples.
Responsive Federalism will accommodate their legitimate interests, end the war in Mindanao, and discourage secessionism. Leaders of Moro rebel organizations have said so on various occasions.

For more info on the voice of Mindanao people agreeing that it is the right call, click here.


The Federal Republic will empower our citizens by enabling them to raise their standard of living and enhance their political awareness through their participation and efficacy in elections and the making and carrying out of government decisions at the regional and local levels.
Governance will be improved and corruption will be reduced by the new division of powers and functions between the Federal Government and the States, and by the transparency of governance and its accessibility to the people in the regions, cities, provinces, and municipalities. It will bring a greater part of the government and decision-making closer to the people in the proposed States or regional governments and their cities and municipalities. With more power, authority and resources managed by the leaders in the States and their local governments which will be more visible and accessible to the people all over the country, the people will be more aware of the importance of electing good leaders. Corruption will be easier to detect and expose and punish.

The Federal Republic will improve governance by challenging and energizing State and local leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens around the country to take hold of their destiny. Federalism will release them from the costly, time-consuming, stifling, and demoralizing effects of excessive central government controls and regulation in our traditional Unitary System.

The Federal Republic will thus stimulate and hasten the country’s political, economic, social, and cultural development.
There will also be inter-State and regional competition in attracting domestic and foreign investments and industries, professionals and skilled workers, good teachers and scholars, artists, and tourists.
A renaissance of regional languages, arts and cultures will enrich the national language and culture, and instill a deeper sense of both regional and national identities.

Gradually, the Federal Republic and its Parliamentary Government will broaden and deepen democracy.
In the long run it should enable the government, the political parties, the private sector, and the organizations and institutions of civil society to deliver on the constitutional promise of human rights, a better life for all, a just and humane society, and responsible and accountable political leadership and governance.


Let's focus on the last paragraph, "will broaden and deepen democracy".
Finally, it's not as bad as we all think is, it will result into what really matter most - us having the rights and power. And because of Federalism, we will practice democracy better than in the old constitution we have had over the past few decades.
It's democracy in its supreme form. Voices are not only heard but heeded, acted upon.

Trust me, I'm one of those who wants a halt in the upcoming charter change. But only because I don't trust the recent hell-bent government. As the theme of the rally says, "Sa Tamang Oras at Paraan". There is an exact time for its Philippine birth, maybe a new era of awakening, but only if those angels with tails get down and the real, passionate nationalists, who will do anything to rise the flag with all hopes, will rule it with pride and integrity.




So after a long discussion, it all boils down to everyone being happy. Everyone getting their share of mud pie. This isn't a bad idea after all.


Well, not until the little girl stops dreaming nonsense.