Includes bibliographical references.

Chapter 1. Background : decentralization and the Local Government Code

What is Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) and what is the motivation behind decentralization?

Has fiscal decentralization succeeded or failed? What have we learned from over 25 years of decentralization?

How is federalism linked to decentralization?

Chapter 2. Rationale and features of federalism

Why pursue federalism? Why not just amend the local government code?

What are the different models of federalism extant in the world today?

How do federal models differ?

What lessons can be learned from the American, Canadian, and German federal models?

Which model of federalism fits the Philippines?

Is federalism in the Philippines a new idea?

Which form of government fits the Philippines best : presidential, parliamentary, or hybrid?

What are the perils of the presidential system?

What are the advantages of the parliamentary system?

What are the possible weakness of the parliamentary system?

The hybrid model with a strong presidency - was that not what Marcos wanted?

Chapter 3. Federalism risks and opportunities

Could federalism lead to a break-up of the country?

Will federalism lead to more capture by political dynasties? Will dynasties proliferate even more under federalism?

Will federalism lead to more corruption among local officials as what happened in ARMM in the 1990s?

What are the specific risks of unintended consequences arising from federalism?

How can poorer states support themselves?

How could we improve on the IRA under a new federal system?

Chapter 4. Evidence for and experience with federalism that works

What are the conditions for federalism to succeed?

Chapter 5. Day-to-day governance under a federal government

Where will sovereignty reside : federal or state governments? Will there be state constitutions and flags?

Who will control the police force? Can state or local governments set up their own police force?

How will taxes be collected and divided?

What about the powers of cities? Should there be more independent cities under federalism? What is the relationship between the regional governments and cities?

Which functions of the national government will be devolved? Which functions will be retained and why?

How will national elections be conducted?

Who will preside over the conservation and preservation of tangible and intangible legacies and heritage?

Is Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) subsumed intact under federalism?

What are the possible political divisions of the country under a federal system? What factors could guide the formation of these divisions?

Chapter 6. Federalism in context ; laying the foundations for a problem-driven process of political reform

What are the three major types of reform commonly considered by those who are seeking to change a country's political system?

Based on comparative experience, what major principles are important to consider before embarking on processes of political reform?

How is one to define whether—in comparative perspective—a country is relatively more centralized or decentralized?

It is commonly asserted that the Philippines has long been a highly centralized country. Is this really true, based on the historical record?

How does the Philippines compare with its neighbors in its degree of centralization or decentralization?

If the ultimate goal is to give more authority and responsibility to lower levels of government, why is there a need for central steering? Isn't that contradictory?

If federalism requires strong institutional capacity at the national level in order to ensure effective central steering, what are the institutional requirements of federalism at the subnational level?

If federalism is the answer, what is the questions?

Gift; Von Totanes; February 21, 2025; 133605d.