RevGov will hasten change

A People's Revolutionary Government is a "government of the people, by the people and for the people." It is for the Common Good of all and will hasten change and development through Federalism. RevGov will blunt the obstruction of the elites and the opposition who want to perpetuate their perks and benefits from the rotten unitary system.

Onward to the Hugpong Federal support rallies for RevGov tomorrow in key regional centers nationwide!

HFMP to ensure safety, police its own ranks on Nov 30

Chairman Celso Tizon presides a meeting of Misamis Oriental
and Cagayan de Oro Astig Volunteers Nov 27 at the
VIP Hotel in CDO.

"Police our own ranks and ensure the safety of our members."

This is the directive of leaders of HFMP as the movement intensifies preparations to join the Nov 30 nationwide mass actions to call for a People's Revolutionary Government to fast track the change agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

National Convenor Peter Lavina asked all Astig Volunteers to ensure the safety of the rallies on Friday by instituting security measures.

He said HFMP should police its own ranks to make sure it is not infiltrated or be subject of sabotage.

Lavina cited the recent incident in Zamboanga City where a Barangay Captain assisted by local police broke up a peaceful Federalism Forum of HFMP.

In Cagayan de Oro City yesterday, Chairman Celso Tizon also made the directive to all Regional Federal Management Committees  (RFMC) to make conscious efforts to secure their members. He said it is best to coordinate with local authorities with regards to safety and traffic flow for the Nov 30 rallies.

Tizon said HFMP will on its own or join other groups in holding rallies in most regional centers throughout the country. He said in Davao City, HFMP will hold the rally in the downtown area at Freedom Park near the Post Office area to allow those who have no vehicles or cannot go to Crocodile Park to attend the rallies.

He said this is to support the clamor of the people to stop those putting roadblocks on President Duterte's agenda of change including the shift to a federal form of government.

Calabarzon erupts with Hugpong Federal events

Region IV-A or Calabarzon erupted with a series of municipal-level HFMP events to organize, consolidate and undertake federalism education campaign particularly leading to the Nov 30 Rally for the People's RevGov. The region is led by Jonathan Baldevarona.

In Dasmariñas, Cavite

 In Victoria, Laguna

In Nasugbu, Batangas

In Taytay, Rizal

More regions confirm HFMP rallies on Nov 30

More regions are now set to join nationwide mass actions on Nov 30 to support the call for a People's Revolutionary Government to fast track President Rodrigo Duterte's agenda for federalism and fundamental changes in the country.

Chairman Celso Tizon confirmed participation of Hugpong Federal Astig Volunteers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

This is our contribution to show to the nation that there is strong support to the President and to his administration, Tizon said. He added the rallies are either fully organized by HFMP or in partnership with other groups advocating for federalism and/or a People's RevGov.

Tizon advised all Regional Coordinators to submit to Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz the exact venues of the rallies for public information.

Please see the list of Regions and areas of convergence on Nov 30 at the right column.

Big forum set Dec 2 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

All is set for the launching of Tapang at Malasakit Alliance and Federalism Forum for the Province of Sultan Kudarat.

Chairman Celso Tizon announced the holding of the big event expected to draw 10,000 as the Hugpong Federal-organized forum is backed by the local Tinig ng Masa party.

He said the launch is part of the continuing effort of the movement to popularize the advocacy of President Rodrigo Duterte for a shift to federal system to decentralize power and resources to the regions.

It will be the first big event after the Nov 30 nationwide rally to support a People's Revolutionary Government to fast track federalism and continue the change agenda of the government.

Sultan Kudarat is located in southern Mindanao as part of the Socsksargen Region and was named after a Moro national hero.

Tizon said HFMP is happy that the local party headed by Cong. Suharto Mangudadatu is supportive of the call for federalism.

Sultan Kudarat Association of Barangay Capatains (ABC) Chairman Charles Ploteña is leading the local preparations along with HFMP Region XII Coordinator Apollo Cabilete.

HFMP Nov 30 rallies to support People's RevGov

HFMP will conduct on its own or join other groups in mass actions nationwide  to support calls for a People's RevGov to fast track federalism and frustrate critics who are blocking the agenda of change of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Here is a partial list of sites of rallies on November 30:

Region II - Santiago City, Isabela

NCR, Region III, Region IV-A - Ayala Bridge Area, Malacañang, Manila

Region IV-B - Rizal Park, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Cordillera - People's Park, Baguio City

Region IX - Barangay Sanito Gym (near airport), Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Rotonda Circle, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

Region XI - Post Office Area, Freedom Park, Davao City

Caraga Region - Butuan City

Sovereign will basis for People's RevGov - Lawyer

Reprint of FB Posts by Atty. Antonio B. Arellano (human rights lawyer jailed during Martial Law, law school professor, retired Regional Sate Prosecutor serving in Regions X, VII and XI and Davao Datu Bago Awardee)

When Corazon Aquino took her oath as President under a revolutionary Government on February 25, 1986, she did so under Proclamation No. 1 she issued on the same day wherein she proclaimed:

“Sovereignty resides in the People and all Government Authority emanates from them.

On the basis of the peoples’ mandate clearly manifested last February 7, 
I and Salvador H. Laurel are taking power in the name and by the will of the Filipino People as President and Vice President respectively.”
—————-
Note that she did not assume power and took her oath under the Philippine Constitution and the existing laws. She did “in the name and by the will of the Filipino people.”

In “Lawyers’ League vs. Corazon Aquino (May 21, 1986) where the legitimacy of the Aquino Government was questioned, the Court ruled:

“The legitimacy of the Aquino Government is not a justiciable question. It belongs to the realm of politics where only the People of the Philippines are the Judge. And the People have made the judgment: they have accepted the Aquino Government which is in effective control of the entire country so that it is not merely a de facto Government but is in fact and law a de jure Government.”

Gov ADR graces TAMA-HFMP launch in Davao del Norte

Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario rallies the people of his province to back President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign for Federalism at the Launching of the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance (TAMA) organized by Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines in Asuncion, Davao del Norte. Among those at the presidential table are HFMP Region XI Head Jun Manigque, HFMP National Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz, Philippine Councilors League National Chairman Danny Dayanghirang (representing Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte), HFMP National Convenor Peter Lavina, HFMP National Chairman Celso Tizon, DILG ASec Efipaco Densing III, and Asuncion Mayor Euri Dayaday.

Ariba (Go on) Zamboanga!

In spite of orders to disperse a Hugpong Federal Federalism Forum in one barangay in Zamboanga City, Astig Volunteers led by Region IX Head Tahira Kahaluddin Asanji persisted and continued to conduct barangay level education campaign on the advocacy of President Rodrigo Duterte for federalism. Appropriate cases will be prepared by National Legal Counsel Jerry Marave of Cordillera against the local police and barangay captain for denying the people of their rights to assembly and freedom of expression.

Federalism Forum at Baranagy Arena Blanco of Zamboanga City

Federalism Forum at Barangay Campo Islam, Zamboanga City

NCR busy with Hugpong Federal activities

NCR chapters of Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines continue to expand and consolidate with a series of activities in Taguig City, Pasay City, Muntinlupa during the weekend. Earlier, similar organizational and education campaign activities were held by chapters in Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Caloocan and Parañaque City under the regional leadership of Ruth Coquilla.

Luzon Head Tim Saday with Astig Volunteers from the Muslim
Sector during a Forum at Taguig City

Hugpong Federal Astig Volunteers from Pasay City's
Zone 6 composed of Barangays 41-48

Muntinlupa City Hugpong Federal Chairman Pol Andeza conducts orientation
and induction of new 9 Barangay Federal Management Committees

HFMP leads Davao's Ocean Clean Up Drive

Astig Volunteers once again led the Ocean Clean Up Drive in Davao City during the weekend in response to the call of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte for the clean up and conservation of rivers, seas and oceans. Chairman Celso Tizon and Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz led the Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines while the City Government was represented by Councilor Danilo Dayaghirang, also the National Chairman of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL). HFMP Regional Adviser for Region XII Eduard Delfin of Midsayap, North Cotabato donated cleaning materials for the sustained community service activity of the movement.

Good news in Ilocos, NCR, bad news in Zambo

Here are some of the activities of our chapters throughout the country yesterday.

DDS Francis Domingo organizes Hugpong Federal chapter in Ilocos
Norte and will prepare to help welcome the visit of President
Rodrigo Duterte in Paoay next week.

Meetings in NCR were held in Valenzuela City (Photo) and in other
metropolitan areas such as Taguig and Pasay to prepare for the
Nov 30 Rally to support a People's Revolutionary Government
for Federalism. HFMP chapters in the capital will assemble at
Ayala Bridge near Malacanang Palace

This Federalism Forum in Zamboanga City's Barangay Labuan
was dispersed by the local PNP on orders of the Barangay Captain
This is clear violation of the people's right to assembly
and freedom of expression. 

Promo materials for Nov 30 RevGov Rally

Visit in Manila Nov 16

Chairman Celso Tizon and Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz visited the capital on Nov 16 to deliver invitations for the Dec 16 Pahalipay para sa #BangonMarawi and held meetings with Presidential Adviser on Special Concerns Wendel Avisado, with the DILG Local Government Academy and NCR Astig Volunteers preparing for the Nov 30 rally to support a People Revolutionary Government to fast track Federalism.

Meeting with HFMP Consultant Presidential Adviser on Special
Concerns Wendel Avisado 

At the DILG's Local Government Academy

With Astig Volunteers of NCR preparing for the Nov 30 rally

Invitations out for Dec 16 Pahalipay for #BangonMarawi

The invitations and program for the December 16 Pahalipay for #BangonMarawi is now out.

No less than Chairman Celso Tizon and Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz will personally deliver the invitations to top officials in Manila today.

The Hugpong Federal community service event aims to bring cheers to the victims of the recent siege of Marawi City this coming Yuletide season.

Chapters all over the country have been mobilizing to lend support to this project with some planning to send delegations to the Islamic city in northern Mindanao.

Hugpong Federal earlier sent relief missions to help evacuees during the height of the terrorist attack on the city.

Among those who were first to send in donations was Jeci Lapus, former Tarlac Congressman and now Administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), whose agency is also involved in the rehabilitation of Marawi City as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Hugpong Federal Isulong: Ka Domeng Cañero

Astig Volunteers in Quezon City led by Domingo Cañero appear at
the Kapihan sa Eurotel in Quezon City to call for support
for Federalism
Click here for the Full Euro TV Story

What is our BFMC?

Barangay Assembly in Mapun, Tawi-tawi led by Punong
Barangay Ginger Ray Lao and attended by Region IX
Coordinator Tahira Kahaluddin Asanji

The basic unit of Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines is the Barangay Federal Management Committee (BFMC). It is composed of 10 Astig Volunteers chosen from among members at the barangay level.

They oversee the activities of the movement in their area of jurisdiction. They are under the supervision of Municipal or City level Federal Management Committees.

Their responsibilities include (1) identifying and recruitment of new members, (2) conduct of information and education campaigns on Federalism, (3) support President Rodrigo Duterte's programs, (4) assist in the movement's other activities such as ocean-clean up, community-service and charity work, and (5) attend municipal, city, provincial, regional and national conferences and summits.

4 Requisites for Sustainable Governance

Excerpts from the speech of National Convenor Peter Lavina November 12 last year at Rizal Park HFMP Rally in Davao City:

"Now, the challenge is to popularize the requisites we need to undertake toward achieving long-lasting change, namely,

1) raising the political maturity of our people; 

2) reforming Philippine society with nationalist cultural renewal, building a culture of peace and moral recovery; 

3) building genuine, principled platform-based political parties and 

4) strengthening a merit-based professional civil service. 

We need these requisites before we shift to federal system to ensure meaningful, sustainable and responsive governance in the future." 

Hugpong Federal backs Mayor Sara's campaign for Ocean clean-up

Hugpong Federal chapters nationwide will lend support to the campaign launched by Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Inday Sara Duterte for conservation and clean up of the country's rivers, seas and oceans. The mayor launched the campaign October 21 in the barangay of HFMP Chairman Celso Tizon who is active in the Barangay Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC). Tizon called on the Hugpong Federal chapters, particularly the Barangay Federal Management Committees in coastal areas to undertake regular clean up drive and launch information campaigns for water conservation. Management of these natural resources should be a priority of local governments, he added. In Davao City, Hugpong Federal Astig Volunteers will hold another clean-up drive on Nov 18 at Seawall Barangay Hall, Bucana, Barangay 76-A starting at 6 am.

Tizon warns anew against bogus groups

HFMP Chairman Celso Tizon in Kidapawan City, North
Cotabato November 9, 2017

The Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines warned its members and the public anew against bogus groups using it or the campaign for federalism for sinister purposes such as soliciting funds or promising jobs, government posts and livelihood.

"Wake up!," HFMP Chairman Celso Tizon told a Federalism Forum in Kidapawan City November 9 to alert the people against con artists victimizing the people.

"Do not fall victim to their schemes" he added as reports of certain individuals and groups continue to use the name of Hugpong Federal or the campaign on federalism to exact money from prospective members.

The latest report is a group calling for a "People's Congress" promising that those who will enlist upon payment of fees will be appointed to government positions under a Revolutionary Government or the incoming Federal system.

Tizon said there is no such thing.

He advised members of Hugpong Federal and the people not to believe easily on these schemes and fall victims to money-making activities. He said people should refer to their officials and check with authorities about such groups.

Because of its popularity, Hugpong Federal has been used by unauthorized individuals and groups to sell membership forms or IDs or solicit funds for alleged activities of the mass movement. All these are illegal, Tizon said.

Zambo Sur Gov loses police control, blames federalism

Hugpong Federal Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Federal
Management Committee with Region IX Coordinator
Tahira Kahaluddin Asanji, National Chair Celso Tizon
and National Sec-Gen Vergilio dela Cruz in
Dumingag on Nov 5, 2017

Hugpong Federal took exemption today on the alibi made by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles that his anti-Federalism was the cause of losing control over the police in his province.

National Convenor Peter Lavina said the local chief executive was stripped of his police operational supervision and control based on Resolution No. 2017-571 of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) dated October 30, 2017 for "abuse of authority." It has nothing to do with federalism.

"It is so sad that the campaign for federalism, which will bring about greater power, responsibilities and resources to regional and local governments is being used as cover up for the case against the governor" he said.

Gov. Cerilles should face the case against him on "abuse of authority" rather than blame federalism, he added.

In Luzon, the Napolcom likewise took away control of the local police in five cities and towns where the Mayors were suspected to be involved in the drug trade.

Lavina said they have been aware of the opposition of the governor to federalism but they have not used it against him. In fact, he added, Hugpong Federal and other groups continue to conduct information campaigns in his province.

Last week, HFMP conducted a Province-wide conference in Dumingag, in the central part of the province with many indigenous Subanen residents.

3 Mayors attend Federalism Forum in US

(Photo from the website of Muntinlupa showing Mayor Jaime
Fresnedi (right)

Three local chief executives from the Philippines attended Nov 6 a Forum on Deepening Understanding on Governance Trends and Challenges on Federalism in Washington, DC, USA.

Mayors Jaime Fresnedi of Muntinlupa, Richard Gomez of Ormoc and Adrianne Mae Cuevas of Palayan City represented the country.

The forum was organized by the Local Government Academy in partnership with Creative Learning based in the US capital.

The participants benchmark on US governance innovations and implementation of Federalism.

Hugpong Federal starts signature campaign to support a People's Revolutionary Government

National Convenor Peter Lavina leads in signing support for
Tapang At Malasakit Alliance (TAMA) and calls for a
Revolutionary Government of the People to fast track
the shift to a Federal system of government

Asitg Volunteers in Region XI led by Conrado Pacifico Manigque, Jr. have launched a signature campaign supporting a People's Revolutionary Government to fast track Federalism.

He told a Federalism Forum in Tagum City in Davao del Norte, that given the obstructionist posturings of the political opposition, it is best for President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a "people's revolutionary government" to implement genuine reforms in the country.

He said destabilizers and oppositionists are out to derail the efforts of the President Duterte to bring progress to our people.

Astig Volunteers in Tagum City, Davao del Norte listen
to National Convenor during the Federalism Forum
Nov 8 organized by Region XI Coordinator
Conrado Pacifico Manigque, Jr.

The forum was attended by over 1,000 representatives from Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley. They responded to the call by affixing their signatures in a tarpaulin of Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines and Tapang at Malasakit Allinace supporting RevGov.

Among those who led the signature campaign were National Convenor Peter Lavina and National Secretary-General Vergelio dela Cruz.

Last month, National Chairman Celso Tizon called for support for RevGov to hasten the shift to a federal form of government to bring progress to the regions. He said HFMP is open to both constitutional change as well as a people's revolutionary government led by President Duterte.

HFMP sends out support call for #BangonMarawi Pasko Pahalipay

HFMP Send-off for #BangonMarawi Relief Mission last July 15
at the Office of Deputy Mayors in Davao City with Nactional
Convenor Peter Lavina and Secretary-General Vergilio
dela Cruz

Text Message from Chairman Celso Tizon:
To all HFMP-RMFCs and Chapters Nationwide
Please encourage all PFMCs and Chapters in your areas to support our PRRD-HFMP Pahalipay sa Pasko para sa #BangonMarawi to share our Love for the people of Marawi on December 16, 2017 at the Dimaporo Convention Center MSU Campus, marawi City.
For inquiries, kindly contact Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz and National Adviser Gapor Randy Usman
Salamat!

Hugpong Federal explains delay in EO 10

Malacanang Palace has issued EO 10 on December 7, 2016
creating a Consultative Committee for the revision of
the 1987 Constitution for a shift to a federal system

True to his advocacy and election promise, President Rodrigo Duterte signed on December 7, 2016 Executive Order No. 10.
It provides for the creation of a Consultative Committee to study the revision of the 1987 Constitution leading to the shift to a federal system of government.
EO 10 calls for a panel of not more than 25 members to study, conduct consultations, and review the provisions of the 1987 Constitution including, but not limited to, the provisions on the structure and powers of the government, local governance, and economic policies. 
Members of the Committee are expected to represent the different regions and sectors of the country and will be headed by a Chairperson who will preside over its deliberations. A former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is being eyed for this post.
EO 10 also provides for the inclusion of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in the Committee as an observer. It also states that all committee members will be appointed or designated by the President and the Secretariat will be the Presidential Management Staff based at Malacanang Palace.
We know that nominees for the Committee have already been vetted. What is causing the delay?
Because the President wants this very important body to be inclusive, he had been waiting for progress in the peace process to nominate representatives from both the Bangsamoro and National Democratic Front to this Committee. This is crucial since certain provisions in the peace agreements that might be reached may necessarily be included in the new Federal Constitution. 
This has apparently stalled the convening of the Committee. The Committee has six (6) months to report to the President once it is convened, which we hope would be forthcoming very soon to meet our timeline of holding the Plebiscite simultaneous with the mid-term elections on May 2019.

Pasko Pahalipay in Marawi set on Dec 16

Chairman Celso Tizon with Almar Maruhom and
Settiraisa B. Maruhom, HFMP Leaders in Lanao del
Sur finalize plans for PRRD-HFMP Pahalipay sa
Pasko set on December 16 for #BangonMarawi

It's a go!
The plans to bring cheers to Marawi City have been finalized and set for December 16, 2017.
Chairman Celso Tizon announced that the charity event to lift the spirits of residents of Marawi will be dubbed PRRD-HFMP Pasko Pahalipay. It is the same title used by the Duterte's in Davao City in celebrating the Yuletide Season among its residents.
He called on Hugpong Federal chapters nationwide to support the activity. The Christmas event was first discussed while Tizon, National Convenor Peter Lavina and Secretary General Vergilio dela Cruz were in Bacolod City for two provincial summits in Negros Occidental last Oct 28-29.
Tizon said the event will be held at the Dimaporo Convention Center inside the campus of the Mindanao State University (MSU).
HFMP earlier sent two relief missions to help Marawi evacuees during the siege of the city by members of local ISIS affiliates Maute Gang and Abu Sayyaf aided by foreign fighters attempting to impose an ISIL Caliphate in Mindanao.
President Rodrigo Duterte, after defeating the terrorists, is now focused on rebuilding Marawi City and assisted by many groups in the campaign #BangonMarawi.

NCR intensifies Hugpong Federal grassroots campaign

The Hugpong Federal grassroots campaign at the barangay level has been intensified in the National Capital Region as recently-formed Barangay Federal Management Committees get to work.

Pasay City Head Pete Ordiales leads Pasay City Zone
Coordinators in a meeting Nov 5 to undertake Federalism
campaign in the city's 201 Barangays

Luzon Area Coordinator Tim Saday and NCR Head Ruth Coquilla have given the Metro Manila BFMCs go signal to bring the Federalism education campaign to every corner of the metropolis.

At yesterday's meetings in Caloocan, Pasay, Manila and Muntinlupa, various area committees were firmed up for the massive information drive to promote the advocacy of President Rodrigio Duterte for a shift to a federal government system.

Coquilla said the NCR Speaker's Bureau is ready to discuss Federalism during this campaign composed of Rose Laya, Eduardo Manalo, Fleurdeliz Adaya, Rodulfo Cada and Silverio Purificacion.

Click here for the List of NCR Area Coordinators

The efforts in the capital is in tandem with the sustained campaign in the countryside, according to Hugpong Federal Chairman Celso Tizon, who was in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on Sunday.

He said these past weeks, HFMP held various Regional and Provincial-level conventions in Caraga and Cordillera, and Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Negros Oriental, among other areas.

He expressed gratitude to Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte for gracing the Lanao del Norte event and to National Convenor Peter Lavina for attending the Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental summits.

The NCR campaign Tizon said is essential as the capital region plays a pivotal role being the center of the current unitary system that it intends to dismantle and change into a decentralized Federal set-up.

He said Federalism will unleash the powers of the regions to develop and contribute to the whole country's progress.

Photos: Nov 5 Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Convention

Congratulations to all Boluntaryong Astig for the successful Zamboanga del Sur 

Provincial Convention at Dumingag led by Provincial Head Edgar Trazona!

Provincial Summit today in Zamboanga del Sur

Copy of Printed Program for the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Convention Nov 5
in Dumingag, a land-locked municipality in Subanen ancestral domain  area.

Photos: Busy Nov 4 for Astig Volunteers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao

At Salvador, Lanao del Norte with Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte
inauguration of the new Municipal Hall and Provincial Federalism Summit.

NCR City Coordinators Meeting to prepare for November activities

Peacock Palawan Chapter Meeting led by MIMAROPA Head Perfecto
Ombat, Jr. and Provincial Head Engr. Fred Setiota

Oath-taking of new Astig Volunteers in Sagay City, Negros Occidental
led by Provincial Head Mary Jean Diamante