The Regional Development Council of the Mimaropa region conducted yesterday Forum on Federalism – “Power to the People: Bayanihan Federalism, Power to the Regions” at La Breza Hotel in Quezon City.
The forum aimed to inform the representatives of the different regional line agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and the private sector about the proposed charter change and federalism.
The main speaker of the forum was Hon. Reynato S. Puno, Retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chairman of the Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Constitution.
He discussed the history of the present form of government and the structure of the unitary against the proposed federal government. Focusing on the proposed regional government, he talked about the allocation of powers; taxing powers; and the sources of revenues.
Local Chief Executives who attended were Marinduque Governor Carmencita Reyes, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali, Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, Boac Mayor Roberto Madla, Narra Mayor Lucena Demaala and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.
The forum was organized by the Regional Development Council through its secretariat the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
