Structural Transition & Feasibility
Review

In HYBRID: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines written by Maria
Gloria R. Adan, the author presents an ambitious proposal for overhauling the country's
political system by introducing a hybrid model that combines Parliamentary Democracy,
Constitutional Monarchy, and Federalism. This proposal is framed within the context of the
shortcomings of the current Presidential System, which the book argues fails to hold
leaders accountable effectively and allows mismanagement and corruption to linger
without substantial checks. The Author believes that this hybrid model could be the key to
addressing the deep-rooted issues within the Philippine governance system and bring
about more stability, accountability, and inclusivity.

One of the book's main strengths is its thoughtful and culturally sensitive approach. The
Author considers the Philippines' unique sociological, historical, and geographical factors
when considering how these governance systems would be implemented. The author
carefully explores each of these systems in detail, discussing how they have functioned in
other parts of the world and evaluating their potential benefits in the Philippine context.
The goal is not to replicate these systems wholesale but to adapt them in a way that makes
sense for the Philippines.

The concept is based on the belief that the Philippines' current Presidential System has
become more ineffective, particularly in terms of holding public officials accountable. The
book discusses how presidential power, while centralizing leadership, has frequently
resulted in a lack of transparency and an environment of injustice, this allows their
mistakes to impact the people and have lasting consequences for future generations. The
proposed hybrid model, by contrast, aims to distribute power more equitably, allowing for a
more balanced system where leadership is held accountable through multiple layers of
checks and balances.

However, the transition to this hybrid governance model presents several significant
challenges. First and foremost, the change would require extensive constitutional
amendments, a process that is both time-consuming and politically contentious. The
Philippine Constitution would need to be rewritten or significantly revised to accommodate
the new governance structures, which would involve navigating a complex legal and
legislative landscape. Given the entrenched interests of political elites who have a vested
interest in maintaining the current Presidential System, there would undoubtedly be strong
resistance from these figures. Many political leaders, particularly those in power,
would likely oppose any move to dilute executive authority and shift to a more
parliamentary or federal structure.

Moreover, the cultural shift required for such a fundamental transformation could also
pose a barrier. The Presidential System is deeply ingrained in Filipino politics, and the
public is accustomed to a central figure as the face of leadership. The idea of a
Constitutional Monarchy, for example, could seem foreign and controversial to many,
especially in a country that has long been a republic. The concept of a monarch serving as
a ceremonial figurehead may be difficult for the Filipino public to accept, given the
country’s history with colonialism. Similarly, Federalism could be seen as a threat to
national unity, particularly in a country that has long been challenged by regional
disparities and tensions.

On the other hand, the book provides some optimism in that these hurdles are not
insurmountable. The process of shifting to a more hybrid governance system, while
challenging, could also lead to long-term gains in governance quality and national
development. The Author emphasizes that this is not an overnight solution, but rather a
long-term vision that would involve careful planning, broad public consultation, and
gradual implementation. The strength of the proposal lies in its capacity to provide an
inclusive system that allows for greater participation at both the national and regional
levels, which could better address the needs of diverse communities across the country.

Nonetheless, the book does not shy away from the difficulties that lie ahead. The success
of a hybrid model depends largely on the political will of the leaders and the commitment
of the Filipino people to embracing such a transformative shift. For this to work, public
education on the new governance systems would be crucial, as would transparent
discussions about the potential risks and rewards. The hybrid system's success would also
hinge on effective communication strategies that ensure all segments of society
understand and support the changes.

Ultimately, The Author’s proposal is a daring and well-researched vision for the future of the
Philippines. It acknowledges the flaws of the current system and suggests a solution that is
adaptable to the nation’s unique needs. The hybrid model, though ambitious, could offer a
more balanced and accountable system of governance. While the transition would be
difficult, involving significant constitutional, political, and cultural shifts, the long-term
benefits, if successfully implemented, could lead to a more stable, inclusive, and forward
thinking Philippine government. The book lays a solid foundation for such a transformation,
making a compelling case for the need for change, even if the journey ahead is fraught with
challenges.