When all is said and done, that federalism did not come to pass can be blamed on a common fault of presidents and leaders: buckling down under pressure and conceding to populist clamor. But it is a common fault for leaders to lay off when voices become shrill, especially of the more querulous elements of Philippine society. The federalism project faced two obstacles: first, the lack of information on the part of the people. Many, perhaps most, of the common folk did not understand what federalism is. Neither lack of information nor fear of losing turf is good enough reason to consign the worthwhile and promising project of federalism to oblivion.

Source: Manila Times June 13, 2021 15:33 UTC