Localizing Philippine elections
Written on January 15, 2007 – 4:27 am | by shenbrood
For a long time now I had this idea on how to localize, systematize and rationalize our current structure of government in the country that is why in reality I am in favor of Charter Change but not at this time and with this President… well enough about that. Here is my idea.
We should adapt the Parliamentary- Federal System of Government;
In this system the pattern of the current party-list will be used in which part of the members of Parliament are elected based on the percentage of votes gathered by their parties in the election held for that purpose. Through this we can avoid personality politics and replace it with politics of platform of government and ideas. This will also effectively solve the current strife and bickerings by different factions since they will have the chance to be elected in Parliament;
The main election in which the general public should have a direct say would be the Barangay level in which they will elect the 8-person barangay council and from this they will elect the municipal –
provincial – the province reprsentative to the parliament
- and regional councils to represent the Regional Federation. This will
effectively reduce government bureaucracy and also prevent political
dynasty. Elections will be easier to count because the ballot will only
consist of 9 blanks. The 8-member barangay Council and the party for
the parliament.
How will this work?
- People elects in a popular vote 8 members of the Barangay Council. Barangay Council elects among themselves the Chairman;
- Federation of Barangay Council elects the Municipal Council Members which elect the Mayor and Vice Mayor among themselves;
- Federation of Municipal Councils elects the Provincial Council + a provincial representative to the Parliament. A representative per province to the Parliament will ensure that the constituency and welfare of each province is well represented within the
government; and - Federation
of Provincial Council elects the Regional Council which will become the
Regional Federation to represent the federalistic structure of the
government.
This is just a summary and brief view of the idea
but I think this is indeed possible in our country. Through this
politicians have to campaign at the barangay level hence the barangay
will be the main focus of development bringing back its original status
way before the Spaniards came.
What do you think?
DAVID D. D’ANGELO
National Secretary General
Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD)
Registered with the National Youth Commission
SEC Registration #CN200517385
Mobile: +639063093832
6th National Youth Parliament Delegate
Chair Comm. on Cyber Youth
Chair Luzon Advocacy Comm on Magna Carta
Region 3 Convenor
