The Duterte cabinet has not always presented a united front from the start as it drew from diverse sectors of the political landscape and also because it never set up the coordinating and consultative mechanism of previous administrations like those of Presidents Cory Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos. The present public discussions on federalism has shown the different positions of executive departments. The most recent example is the statement of DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno in response to the NEDA position articulated by NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon which consisted of a five-phase plan spanning 15 years.

In previous columns I had expressed my concern on the adoption of a federal form of government and if pushed through, I had expressed doubts on the recommended fast pace of implementation as well as the transition stage. The NEDA proposal erased most of my doubts as it presented a rational and realistic approach.

The first phase will be devoted to doing spatial analysis of federated regions and their socioeconomic profiles, accounting for government workforce and functions, and mapping of existing laws, regulations and policies. I find this necessary so one will know the base on which federalism will be built on.

The second phase of five years is laying the foundation for federalism, including an extensive review of the Local Government Code and the Administrative Code and the establishment of the federal transition commission. It will allow which existing structures need to be tweaked and the reassignment of national government workers to the regions. We recall that in the past there was devolution of functions and budget to local government units. While they got the funds they did not set up the structure to deliver the services so the national government was forced to continue providing the service.

The transitional government can be achieved in the third phase of three years where the government will be prepared for genuine devolution as the changes are tested and anchored but with alterations made as needed. This phase will mean going back and forth until the desired dynamics are achieved.
The fourth phase of five years will have the operationalization of five pilot federated regions based on readiness and willingness. I am always in favour of pilot testing as it saves on errors made that could affect the totality. The learning process is always useful.

The final phase will have the transition government deactivated along with the ratification of the amended constitution. The regional development councils will function as interim regional governments. After ratification, federalism will be in place.

The DBM response is more political in the sense that it adheres to a commitment to have it concluded within the term of the current President. It also seems to be premised that funds released will immediately be utilised which is far from common experience. The state of preparedness of the regions are also glossed over.

I go for the NEDA approach if we want federalism to work. But I continue to have lingering doubts of the political structure of the transition government because it could mean a period of dictatorship.