Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said that federalism is not a “magic pill” to address all of the country’s problem.
The Senator pointed out that some glitches that the country is facing are better addressed through amending local government code.
“Before we amend our Constitution, we need to determine what it is we want to achieve. Federalism is not a “magic pill” to address all of our country’s problems. If we wanted to strengthen local autonomy, some issues are better addressed through amending the Local Government Code,” Poe said.
The senator added that the country needs stronger institutions rather than strongmen.
“We should enact the Freedom of Information and Anti-Dynasty bills in order to ensure meaningful participation of people in government, with or without Federalism,” she said.
Poe also said that a review of the economic provisions of the Constitution is needed to encourage more investments that will help in achieving economic growth.
“But this can also be done in the meantime by amending the Public Services Act,” she said.
“I co-authored Senator Lacson’s resolution that the Senate should vote separately if Congress will convene as a Constituent Assembly. This will not only ensure that the Senate is not swamped by the 200+ members of the House of Representatives but also to ensure that proposed amendments are debated on and vetted rationally,” she added.