Nene Pimentel: Prohibition against warlordism, political dynasty must be ‘spelled out’ in revised Charter

Former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel on Tuesday said that to prevent political dynasties and warlordism, the proposed federal charter must "specifically" prohibit it.

"Warlords will only sprout if we allow them. Since we are adopting a federal system, ilagay na rin natin doon sa federal revision on the Constitution na ang mga warlords bawal," Pimentel said in a forum.

"Hindi pupuwedeng susulpot sila sa kanilang federal states. 'Pag sumusulpot sila doon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines would come in to dismantle the federal... you might say warlords that are sprouting in the various federal states," Pimentel proposed.

The former senator said banning political dynasty and warlordism is not clearly expressed in the 1987 Constitution.

"Sabi ng Saligang Batas... political dynasties, warlords prohibited in accordance with law. Kailangan pa magpasa ng batas bago ma-prevent mo 'yung political dynasties and warlordism," he said.

Pimentel, a staunch advocate of federalism, emphasized that if the Philippine government wishes to eradicate political dynasty, it must be "spelled out" in the new Constitution.

"When we revise the Constitution, lagyan mo na ng probisyon na bawal... you spell out the political dynasties," Pimentel said.

Critics fear that President Rodrigo Duterte, who belongs to a political family in Davao City, is pushing for the shift to federalism to extend his term.

Duterte had repeately assured the public that he does not intend to extend his stay in office.

One flag, one constitution

Pimentel, meanwhile, quelled assumptions that each of the proposed federal states will have separate constitutions.

"Contrary to the impression of a number of people who believe that if we adopt a federal system, every federal state will have its own Constitution. Not in this republic," Pimentel stressed.

The proposed federal charter divides the country into five states: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the Bangsamoro and Metro Manila.

"There will only be one Constitution. Hindi pareho sa Amerika na bawat federal state may sariling constitution, may sariling bandera. Isa lang ang bandera," he added.

He added that there will also be only one armed forces, one foreign policy and one monetary system, a general basic education curriculum and a single tax system for the entire country once it shifts to federalism. —ALG, GMA News