Senator Christopher Go yesterday stressed the importance of public sentiment and prioritizing the welfare of the Filipino people over political interests in any discussions or proposals on Charter Change.
He agreed with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s stance that a comprehensive survey should be conducted to gauge the Filipino people’s sentiment on amending the 1987 Constitution.
Go also emphasized that any Charter Change should primarily benefit the Filipino people, especially the less fortunate, rather than the politicians pushing for it.
Go earlier urged the government and legal experts to study thoroughly the idea of changing the country’s system of governance to federalism. He noted that it would grant localities more autonomy in addressing their constituency’s concerns.
The senator also pointed out that since other regions will be able to maximize their resources under a federal set-up, this may lead to increased economic development for those areas.
He said he believes development in local government units (LGUs) would be faster due to the bigger income that they will receive. “They (LGUs) will get a share from taxes and the proper use of natural resources,” Go said.
If the country shifts to federalism, the senator reiterated that local governments will be able to provide more appropriate solutions to their pressing concerns since they are more familiar with their respective situations.
Further, Go underscored the imperative that any reforms must be undertaken with the paramount interest of the Filipino people as the guiding principle.