- Bangsamoro (ARMM) with 5 provinces;
- Davao Region and Central Mindanao with 8 provinces;
- Western and Northern Mindanao with 12 provinces;
- Central-Eastern Visayas with 10 provinces;
- Western Visayas and Palawan with 7 provinces;
- Bicol with 7 provinces;
- Southern Luzon with 8 provinces;
- Metro Manila (NCR) with 6 provinces;
- Central Luzon with 7 provinces;
- Cordillera (CAR) with 6 provinces; andNorthern Luzon with 9 provinces;
The criteria adopted in this proposed division are:
- Economic Viability
- Contiguousness; and
- Culture
The writer, on the other hand, recommends a “Two-Step Determination of Autonomous States” to ENSURE economic viabilities of these States with Minimum of financial “risk” for both the Federal / National government and State governments.
Here is my proposed initial or first eight States:
- Bangsamoro (ARMM) with 5 provinces;
- Davao Region and Central Mindanao with 8 provinces;
- Western and Northern Mindanao with 12 provinces;
- Visayas and Palawan with 17 provinces;
- Bicol and Southern Luzon with 15 provinces;
- Metro Manila (NCR) with 13 cities and 4 adjacent municipalities;
- Central Luzon with 7 provinces; and
- Cordillera and Northern Luzon with 15 provinces
Yes, the criteria of Economic Viability and Contiguousness are initially given more importance.
After 15-20 years, the Second Step will take place. This means that Congress or the New Parliament will mandatorily review these eight States and see if there will be a need to divide one or more of these States into a maximum 9to avoid gerrymandering) of two. Of course, the same three criteria mentioned earlier will guide said review. No need for another Cha-Cha to do this for Congress or the New Parliament Constitution.
This “Two Steps” approach will end once and for all questions about economic viability of some States. This also shows that if we really desire for a Federal Republic of the Philippines in the earliest time, WE CAN DO IT ONE CHA-CHA. No more of this “grassroots/constituent-initiated transition” as proposed by the controversial Consultative Commission (Con-Com) which is actually a design to delay the adoption of a Federal System in the country. No more of this two Cha-Chas before a federal system is finally adopted. Of course sufficient time must be allocated in this regard. No undue rush on Cha-Cha thru Con-Con.
We are aware that some smaller areas would like to become – immediately as autonomous States such as Palawan, Cebu, SoCSarGen (South Cotabato, Saranggani and General Santos), etc. To be honest, such position somehow presents some serious negative reactions especially from anti-federal people which use this argument that some federalists are creating their own “fiefdoms.” That is why we appeal to these federalists to “sober up” a little and support our “Two Steps” strategy. Those places I mentioned can later on pursue this matter after we gained more experience and improved the country’s economic standing in implementing the federal system. How about it guys?
The powers appropriately vested in the autonomous State government must be clearly specified in its State Constitution. These are:
- Education
- Health
- Infrastructure and Public Works
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Police
- State Judicial System
- Communication and Transportation
- Custom and Taxation
- Others
The autonomous State will have this local government set-up:
Autonomous State
Local Government Units as before:
- Provinces / Chartered Cities
- Component Cities / Municipalities
- Barangays
