1. Bangsamoro (ARMM) with 5 provinces;
2. Davao Region and Central Mindanao with 8 provinces;
3. Western and Northern Mindanao with 12 provinces;
4. Central-Eastern Visayas with 10 provinces;
5. Western Visayas and Palawan with 7 provinces;
6. Bicol with 7 provinces;
7. Southern Luzon with 8 provinces;
8. Metro Manila (NCR) with 6 provinces;
9. Central Luzon with 7 provinces;
10. Cordillera (CAR) with 6 provinces; andNorthern Luzon with 9 provinces;

The criteria adopted in this proposed division are:

1. Economic Viability
2. Contiguousness; and
3. 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:

1. Bangsamoro (ARMM) with 5 provinces;
2. Davao Region and Central Mindanao with 8 provinces;
3. Western and Northern Mindanao with 12 provinces;
4. Visayas and Palawan with 17 provinces;
5. Bicol and Southern Luzon with 15 provinces;
6. Metro Manila (NCR) with 13 cities and 4 adjacent municipalities;
7. Central Luzon with 7 provinces; and
8. 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:

1. Education
2. Health
3. Infrastructure and Public Works
4. Agriculture
5. Industry
6. Police
7. State Judicial System
8. Communication and Transportation
9. Custom and Taxation
10. Others

The autonomous State will have this local government set-up:

Autonomous State

Local Government Units as before:

1. Provinces / Chartered Cities
2. Component Cities / Municipalities
3. Barangays

“Charter Change should take place after we elect our new leader in 2010.” (Speaker Prospero Nograles)

In the March 13, 2008 issue of the Philippine Star, it was reported that Speaker Nograles reiterated his previous stand on the issue of Charter Change or Cha-Cha to dispel the allegation that the proposed merger of Lakas CMD and KAMPI, both pro-administration political parties, “is designed for another Cha-Cha.” While Speaker Nograles wants Cha-Cha thru Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) immediately after the 2010 elections, he also rightly suggested that Con-Con delegates be elected likewise in the 2010 elections for the government to economize among other valid reasons.

Well, as we pointed out earlier, Cha-Cha thru Con-Con immediately after the 2010 elections – and Con-Con delegates simultaneously elected with the new president in 2010 is also the stand now of Lihuk Pideral Mindanaw. Actually, this is one of the issues we, members of the nationwide Citizens’ Movement for a Federal Philippines (CMFP), will tackle this April 4, 5, and 6 in our scheduled Cebu meeting. We are confident that CMFP will likewise officially adopt this practical stand.

Furthermore, we learned that there are other active groups too in the Philippines who expressed same position anent this question on Cha-Cha. These groups are the newly organized 2010-2016 Movement, and Go-NEGOSYO MOVEMENT OF RFM’s Jose Conception.

Thus, it is safe to say that Cha-Cha thru Con-Con immediately after the 2010 elections – and Con-Con delegates simultaneously elected with the new president in 2010, is gaining ground among well-meaning Filipinos. Thus, we request especially Malacañang, Congress, our different religious leaders, civil society, NGOs, POs, etc. to please ponder on this logical proposition and strongly support such stand for the good of all.

We’ve said this before and we are saying it again that to properly address the crises besetting our country, we must ASAP undertake Genuine Social Transformation (GST). Said GST involves two major reforms namely: 1) Reform in People; and 2) Reform in Structures/Systems/Institutions. Honest-to-goodness Cha-Cha thru Con-Con is about the latter reform. National Moral Renewal (NMR), Values Formation and Character-building, plus attitudinal change and mind-setting are about the former reform. We must pursue both reforms at the same time. We cannot have one without the other.

Apropos Cha-Cha, what is the number one reform should we adopt? In revising our present flawed Constitution, we must firstly reform our obsolete and highly centralized government structure called Unitary System. We must shift to a highly decentralized structure known as Federal Systems.

What are the advantages of doing this – meaning to shift to a Federal System? Well, to some of the advantages are:

1. Free our countrysides from the imperialistic hold of Metro Manila.

2. Promote balance Development.

3. Dismantle the Mother of Political Patronage.

4. Apply the principle of subsidiarity in governance by assigning functions, authorities and funds to local governments which they can effectively and efficiently exercise thus bringing the government closer to the people.

5. Minimize graft and corruption.

6. Finally solve the Mindanao Conflict.

7. Release the creative and competitive spirit of our people while promoting initiative and independence.

Hence, we appeal to all of you to heartily support genuine Cha-Cha thru Con-Con immediately after the term of President Gloria and convince Congress especially Senate President Manuel Villar and Speaker Nograles to pass a law now setting the election of Con-Con delegates together with the presidential elections in the 2010. How about it guys?