Lawyer: Abortion, gay marriages, divorce and hybrid polls may be legalized under federal gov’t

Abortion, gay marriages, divorce and the use of a hybrid election system could be legalized if the Philippine government shifts to a federal system, an election lawyer said Sunday.

"Under the proposed constitutional amendments, the existing regions in the country will be transformed into 'states' each with its own 'exclusive legislative powers' to enact laws on state and local elections; marriage, population management, labor and trade relations, justice system, among others. Each state will also have its own constitution, adopt its name, and choose a capital flag, anthem and seal," lawyer Romulo Macalintal said in a statement.

"Hence, with the creation of different states with its own legislative power, one state may legalize abortion, divorce, and gay marriage while others may not allow it or may provide certain restrictions if ever the same is legalized in their respective areas," Macalintal added.

The lawyer added that the proposal to change the 1987 Constitution would possibly result in "changing or altering our time-honored culture, values and traditions."

He urged the constitutional body created by President Rodrigo Duterte to thoroughly discuss and study the proposed amendments.

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"For sure, in their hands depend the future of our country and our people, and the dreams of our children and their children," he added.

More politicians

Macalintal also said there would be a "dramatic increase" in the number of politicians once the system of government will be revised. He said at present, there are 297 representatives from 234 legislative districts including those from the party-list systems and 24 senators.

"The proposed charter calls for the creation of 'State Assembly' from each state government composed of two representatives from 'each province' and one representative per highly urbanized cities (HUCs)," Macalintal said.

"With 81 provinces and 5 HUCs, it means a total of 162 provincial representatives and five city representatives or a total of 167 positions added to the existing number of politicians in our country. The existing positions in the local governments of provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays are retained," he explained.

The Duterte administration is pushing for a federal form of government as a means to address certain issues particularly in strife-torn Mindanao. —Anna Felicia Bajo/ALG, GMA News