Comments for Taxj's Weblog

Comment on A kind of federalism, as an alternative to federalism by Philip Camara

Philip Camara — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:06:28 +0000

In 2006 Regional agencies of the national government spent 37% of the national budget. Provinces are 88% dependent on national transfers because of a centralized tax system. Ergo, having fiscally autonomous states will result in better collection of existing taxes, better accountability and therefore better programs with much more bang for the buck.

Indeed, only people who do not understand the fiscal workings and dysfunctional motivations of our present unitary system can come up with write ups such as these.

Visit filipinofederalistforum.net for better insight into the issues raised here.

Comment on Ancestral domain is tribal, not religious by carlomasajo

carlomasajo — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:19:32 +0000

This is true. We have to maintain the wisdom the law was enacted for. This law intends to give the land to the country’s tribal inhabitants, not the religious pretending to be indigenous.

If the Moros are given land, then the Catholics should get land as well.

Comment on Decentralize Now! by Decentralize Now! — A Response « FeDecentralize!

Decentralize Now! — A Response « FeDecentralize! — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:32:36 +0000

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Comment on Decentralize Now! by Decentralize Now! « FeDecentralize!

Decentralize Now! « FeDecentralize! — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:27:33 +0000

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Comment on Federalism, a flawed prescription by Cocoy's Delight

Cocoy's Delight — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:56:42 +0000

Her objective is to maneuver to stay beyond 2010. Charter change for now appears to be the preferred mechanism for allowing Arroyo to retain power through a shift to a federal-parliamentary government. She is clearly guilty of numerous impeachable offenses. she have repeatedly violated the Constitution.She have transgressed national law. She had lied to the people time after time. Her conduct and her barbaric policies have reduced our beloved country to a historic low in the eyes of people around the world. These are truly “high crimes and misdemeanors,” to use the constitutional standard. From the beginning, Gloria assumpt power was the product of questionable Constituitional violation and the Dagdag Bawas of Garci was a questionable elections that probably should have been challenged.

Our Country today is in a serious Constitutional crisis. The Senators and Congressman should be willing to take some political risks to honor, protect, and defend the Constitution. (It is, after all, their oath of office.) If we allow Arroyo to succeed in permanently altering the balance of powers between the branches, the Constitution will become a dead letter.

Comment on Federalism, a flawed prescription by Cocoy's Delight

Cocoy's Delight — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:55:45 +0000

Her objective is to maneuver to stay beyond 2010. Charter change for now appears to be the preferred mechanism for allowing Arroyo to retain power through a shift to a federal-parliamentary government. She is clearly guilty of numerous impeachable offenses. she have repeatedly violated the Constitution.She have transgressed national law. She had lied to the people time after time. Her conduct and her barbaric policies have reduced our beloved country to a historic low in the eyes of people around the world. These are truly “high crimes and misdemeanors,” to use the constitutional standard. From the beginning, Gloria assumption to power was the product of questionable Constituitional violation and the Dagdag Bawas of Garci was a questionable elections that probably should have been challenged.

Comment on Decentralize Now! by J.A. Carizo

J.A. Carizo — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:42:16 +0000

I think that would be impossible. Filipinos love shortcut and the easiest way for politicians to get money is through the status quo — waiting for the largesse from Malacanang.

Besides, the first thing we need to do is to convince our Congressmen as you say, to pass a reinvigorated Local Government Code. But would they work on something that will hurt their pockets? Of course not especially considering that the present system allows them to dip into government budget in the guise of pork barrel, etc.

Okay, I may sound pessimistic. Our Congressmen are pro-people and they love their constituents. But retaining the unitary system with all powers still centralized will do no better even if there is this “new LGC”. Why? Because what is the “purse” without the corresponding power and autonomy to use it? Look at the CAR and the ARMM who, according to some officials, are still dependent on Malacanang because they have no autonomy to enact their own budget, etc., etc. This is because the problem now is the system and as such we need to address the system and not just offer simple reforms (or vulca seal solutions) like taking paracetamol in dealing with our fractured bones.

My whole take on this issue is at: http://politechwatch.blogspot.com/2008/08/federalizing-philippines-right-track-at.html

Comment on Hello world! by Mr WordPress

Mr WordPress — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:58:27 +0000

Hi, this is a comment.
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