Is Federalism Pro-poor?

By Jeresa May C. OchaveJul 7 2016 (Manila Times)Poverty, according to the United Nations, is “a denial of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It means lack of basic capacity to participate effectively in society. It means not having enough to feed and clothe a family, not having a school or clinic to go to, not having the land on which to grow one’s food or a job to earn one’s living, not having access to credit. It means insecurity, powerlessness and exclusion of individuals, households and communities. It means susceptibility to violence, and it often implies living in marginal or fragile environments, without access to clean water or sanitation.” JERESA MAY C. OCHAVEConstitutional experts contend that our unitary system’s centralized form is the culprit for poverty in the country. The top-to-bottom approach (pinatulo governance, as we call it) limits the powers, authority and resources of its own local governments, impairing gravely the decision-making process. Planning and programs for the communities are divorced from the realties on the ground.In effect, local governance are inefficient in providing even the public services that majority of Filipinos need and expect—health care, education, employment and housing; a state of affairs contrary to the promise of the 1987 Freedom Constitution, where framers have been mandated to create one that is “truly reflective of the aspirations and ideals of the Filipino people.”A research by the Ec...

Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - July 7, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Jeresa May Tags: Aid Crime & Justice Development & Aid Economy & Trade Education Financial Crisis Food & Agriculture Global Headlines Health Human Rights Labour Poverty & SDGs Trade & Investment Water & Sanitation Source Type: news