Detailed Notes on Decentralization and Federalism in the Philippines

Definition: Decentralization is a governmental condition where power or authority is dispersed away from the central level.
Maximizes citizen participation in decision-making on local issues.
Promotes self-reliance among lower levels of government.
Accelerates decision-making processes by reducing bureaucracy.
Decongests the central government, allowing it to focus on broader issues.

Devolution: Political decentralization, granting local governments more authority.
Area Approach: Focus on specific geographic regions.
Deconcentration: Administrative decentralization, redistributing authority among national line departments to regional offices.
Sectoral Approach: Focus on different sectors of administration.
Legal Framework: Decentralization is mandated by the Constitution to delegate powers to local government units (LGUs).

Faster Decision-Making: Local entities can respond quickly.
Increased Motivation and Morale: Local officials are often more motivated when given authority.
Better Adaptation to Local Needs: Policies can be tailored to fit regional characteristics.
Facilitates Diversification: Local governments can innovate to serve distinct communities effectively.
Lightens the Load on Top Management: Less burden on central authorities.
Encourages Innovation: Local experimentation with policies.

Loss of Control: National governments may find it challenging to monitor local actions.
Coordination Challenges: Difficulty in aligning local services with national objectives.
Higher Costs: Potentially increased expenditure in local governance.
Risk of Poor Decisions: Local governments might make uninformed legislative choices.
Difficulty in Implementing Uniform Policies: Variability in local governance can lead to inconsistency.
Ineffectiveness in Emergencies: Central response can be hampered.

Empowerment of Local Authorities: Strengthening LGUs to operate efficiently.
Increased Political Competition: Encourages active civic engagement.
Transparency Mechanisms: Promotes trust between the government and constituents.
Involvement of Civil Society: Inclusion of citizens in the governance process.
Capacity Building at Local Levels: Investment in skills and training for effective governance.
Cultural Context: Address local customs and norms in governance.
Technological Advancements: Leveraging innovation for improved services.
Supportive Legal Frameworks: Establishing laws that facilitate decentralization.

Improved Service Delivery: More accessible and effective public services.
Increased Participation: Citizens have more opportunities to engage in governance.
Enhanced Accountability: Local officials are held responsible for their actions.
Empowerment of Local Governance: Local entities have greater authority and responsibility.

Diversity and Regional Needs: A federal approach can cater to varying regional identities.
Enhanced Governance: Allows for more responsive and accountable governance structures.
Strengthened Democracy: Greater local involvement strengthens democratic practices.
Capacity Building: Ensures local governments possess the tools they need to function effectively.

Local Autonomy: The self-governance capability at various local levels. (1959)
Criteria for Autonomy:
Locally elected officials present.
Clearly defined responsibilities.
Clarity in the relationship between national and local governments.
Authority for local revenue generation through taxation.

1898 to 1902: First Philippine Republic; local elections introduced.
1902 to 1935: American regime implementing policies for local autonomy but retaining centralization.
1935 to 1945: Local government general supervision by the President.
1946 to 1972: Local Autonomy Acts providing for increased local governance rights.
1972 to 1986: Marcos regime and the imposition of martial law restricting local autonomy.
1986 to Present: Constitution solidifying local government autonomy and responsibilities.

Deconcentration: Distributing administrative functions to regional offices while maintaining overarching centralized control.
Integrated Reorganization Plan (IRP): Established regions with designated centers for administration, enhancing operational efficiency.

Nature of Federalism: Creates shared government and preserves local distinctiveness.
Unity in Diversity: Aims for national coherence while allowing local governance.

Centralization vs. Autonomy: Strikes a balance between national control and local autonomy.
Moro Insurgency: Ongoing conflict in Mindanao complicating governance and regional autonomy demands.
Economic and Political Instability: Challenges posed by economic conditions and governance reforms.

Local demands for a separate nation, as opposed to autonomy, pose challenges to governance structures.
Need for effective functioning local states under federalism to meet community requirements and governance roles.