Charter Change
This entry was posted on 8/23/2006 4:54 AM and is filed under Philippines.
Charter Change
As the two sides line up in the Charter Change debate most people are not getting the required information on the reason for changing and what sort of system would be best fro the Philippines. Also, Charter Change alone will not cure the ills that afflict the Philippines.
There are a series of changes and measures that need to be put in place if the Charter Change is going to be beneficial for the country.
1. Equalization of the status of all Filipinos. Underlining that at the age of 18 (majority) a Filipino citizen has the right to sign contracts, fight for their country and stand for any elected position. There are not degrees of adulthood. Being old enough to die for your country entitles you to stand for public office.
2. Anyone, natural born or naturalized is entitled over the age of 18 to stand for any public office. Discriminating against Naturalized citizens is a violation of their rights. They are expected to pay taxes and contribute to the society, they should also be allowed to stand for public office and propose alternatives to the existing political officers and opinions.
3. Change from the Presidential system to that of a Parliamentary one in which the voice of the Filipino population is heard correctly. That means that there must be more congressmen/women elected I estimate some 700 to represent a county with a population of 90 million. Remove the position of senator and governor, the Barangay set up.
With more congressmen in position, they would represent fewer Filipinos and the view of the people is better represented.
4. Removing the Pork Barrel from government and giving only a small allowance for the President for charity, etc. will give the government more money to spend on issues of concern
Would like to hear from others on this issue with their thoughts.
