Dynasty provision pressed

There’s “no promise of paradise” under a federal form of government, former Senate president Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. said yesterday.

Nonetheless, there’d be changes for good under federalism as power and resources will be more equitably distributed among region states, added Pimentel.

A member of the Consultative Commission (ConCom) created by President Rodrigo Duterte to draft the so-called federal charter to amend the 1987 Constitution, Pimentel made the remarks during the weekly Tapatan sa Aristocrat forum.

ConCom submitted the charter draft to President Duterte who, in turn, handed it to Congress which may be convened into a constituent assembly (ConAss) to amend the organic law of the land.

Congress can adopt, modify or altogether throw into the wastebasket the draft painstakingly cobbled up by ConCom.

The draft has a provision against political dynasties and some members of the ConCom had expressed reservation against pushing federalism if that provision is stricken off by members of Congress.

ConCom member Dean Julio Teehankee said he’ll withdraw support for federalism if the anti-dynasty provision is taken out.

“This will encourage political competition among the best leaders,” Pimentel said.

Under the draft, 15 regional states will be created along with a state each for Cordillera, Panay Island and Muslim areas.