Listen: “BARMM and Charter Change” | A Podcast Episode
The Program on Social and Political Change (PSPC) launched Episode 2 of the podcast, “Banyuhay: Change, One Conversation at a Time,” on 9 December 2024, 1:00 pm via DZUP’s YouTube and Facebook account, and via UP CIDS’ Spotify channel.
For its inaugural season, Banyuhay focuses on the theme, “Uncharted Grounds: The Hidden Side of Charter Change,” which covers four episodes exploring the hidden dimensions of constitutional reform. The second episode a discussion with Professor Nassef Manabilang Adiong, PhD, the Director of Bangsamoro Parliament’s Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) and teaches in UP Asian Center. He focuses on the complexities between proposed constitutional amendments (charter change) and local governance in the Philippines, particularly concerning the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Episode Topics
Charter Change and Local Autonomy, especially in the BARMM – The episode explores whether the proposed amendments adequately address the unique needs and aspirations of the BARMM regarding self-governance. It seeks to understand if these changes enhance or limit the region’s autonomy.
Impact of Charter Change on the Balance of Power – It examines how proposed amendments, including those focused on economic reforms, might shift the balance of power between the national government and local government units (LGUs) in BARMM.
Addressing Local Governance Challenges in Constitutional Reform – It investigates whether past attempts at constitutional reform have genuinely considered and addressed the specific challenges and needs of local governments particularly in BARMM.
Enhancing Fiscal Autonomy and Policy Influence of LGUs – It offers suggestions on how to improve the financial systems of BARMM LGUs and give them a more significant voice in shaping national policies that affect them.
Necessity of Charter Change for Local Governance Reform – It also questions whether constitutional amendments are essential for achieving the desired improvements in BARMM local governance or if alternative policy and legislative approaches might be more effective.
Guest Speaker
Dr. Nassef Manabilang Adiong is an academic, teacher and leader specializing in issues related to Bangsamoro society, decolonial knowledge, and Islam & International Relations. He holds extensive experience in administration, currently serving as Director of Policy Research and Legal Services for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. He is also a founding member of several organizations, including the Bangsamoro Research and Legal Network and the Decolonial Studies Research Network. Dr. Adiong is a recognized figure in the International Studies Association and has held various leadership positions. His work demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of society, particularly in the Bangsamoro.
Host
Prof. Dennis Quilala is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science of the University of the Philippines. He is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the University of Canterbury and finished his Master of Arts in Political Science, University of the Philippines Diliman in 2005. He focuses on the study of peace processes and conflicts in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. His other research interests include political philosophy, local governance, human rights, and political violence. Among his publications is entitled: “Nongovernmental Organizations in Humanitarian Activities in the Philippines: Local Contributions in Post-Disaster Settings and Implications for Humanitarian Action and Diplomacy” in the Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, first published online 5 November 2021 (co-written with Dr. Maria Ela Atienza).
Queries
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The Banyuhay Podcast is produced by the Program on Social and Political Change (PSPC) of the Center for Integrative and Development Studies, University of the Philippines, in partnership with DZUP.
The Program on Social and Political Change is one of the UP CIDS’ 18 research programs that focuses on sociopolitical issues of the Philippines. Learn more and download PSPC policy papers for free.