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KPI Congress 20th
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2018
Thai Democracy on the Move

In most general terms, this paper explores the proposition that, based on the Philippine
experience, public sector reform at the local level towards democratization and development

could be further deepened with the adoption of a federal form of government in the Philippines

sometime in the future. We have argued elsewhere that “federalism is the next logical step to
devolution” (Brillantes 2009; 2017). While it must be emphasized that the process considering
the adoption of a federal form of government in the Philippines, it must not be rushed nor even

fast tracked. It much be seen as part of a continuing evolutionary process within the context

of nation building. Equally important, the federalism debate must framed within the context
of decentralization and devolution towards the general goal of empowering sub-national and
local governments that are ultimately at the frontlines of governance. As frontliners, and being

where the action is, where the “rubber hits the road” so to speak, local governments are the

strongest – or the weakest – link in the long chain of governance and democratization. It is
within this context that the process to empower them and develop their capacities must be
a continuing - and sustained - process. It is also within this context that decentralization has

been adopted as a public sector reform strategy to empower local governments, enable citizen

participation and in the end strengthen democratic institutions.

Indeed decentralization has been adopted as a general governance strategy in many

of the countries in Asia and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia,
Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and Japan, among others (World Bank 2005; GRIPS 2015).

Decentralization entails the transfer of entails the transfer of functions, powers,

responsibilities and accountabilities to lower level institutions for better governance. It aims
to enhance participation, democratize the polity and empower the people, ebabling citizens

to access structures and processes of governance. It is key development and reform strategy
to empower and engage local communities, broadens the reach of national government ,
3
enables penetration of national government policies in remote areas, and most important,
enables democratization by broadening the base of participation.
เอกสารประกอบการประชุมกลุ่มย่อยที่ 3 3 been seen by some as a variation of “load shedding,” by the national government, considering

Paradoxically, transferring functions of national government to sub-national institutions has

the latter’s inability to adequately perform its functions.