PIMENTEL PROPOSES ADOPTION OF FEDERAL-PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) is set to file a joint congressional resolution calling for the adoption of a federal system of government but retaining the presidential structure.

Pimentel said his proposal is to federalize whole country that will include a BangsaMoro federal state.

The creation of a BangsaMoro federal state will fulfill the aspiration of Muslims in Mindanao for genuine autonomy. Malacañang believes this is the only way to break the deadlock in the 10-year old peace negotiation between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Under a federal system, Pimentel said the over concentration of powers in the central government will be eliminated and substantial powers will be transferred to and exercised by the component federal states.

He said the perennial grievances of far-flung regions that they are being neglected because of the monopoly of power by "imperial Manila" will be a thing of the past.

Pimentel said he has opted for the retention of the presidential system because most Filipinos would not give up their right to directly elect the head of government (president).

If a parliamentary system is adopted, the head of government (prime minister) will be elected by the members of parliament from among themselves.

Since the presidential system will stay, Pimentel said there should be no apprehensions among the presidential aspirants that the 2010 election may be scrapped.

"We are not abolishing the presidency. I think it is important to state that right now, so that those who are aspiring for the position are not unduly alarmed that they may lose the chance to become president," he said.

Pimentel said the presidential set-up he is proposing is similar to that of the United States which has a presidential-federal structure. The structure and powers of the federal states will follow our own version not those of the US.