Fraternal greetings to Partido Federal ng Pilipinas

Statement of Congratulations

Never in our country’s history had our people been given the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the making of our fundamental law than today under President Rodrigo Duterte.

In 1896, our country was a colonial slave of Spain and our people were waging a revolution; in 1935, our country was a colonial captive of America and our people were not free; in 1973, our country was under martial law and freedom of expression was curtailed; in 1987, our country was under a revolutionary government and the situation was abnormal.

During the past two years under the leadership of President Duterte, the nation has been in open, democratic, transparent discussion of changing our Constitution. It is one that will ultimately shift our system of government from a highly-centralized unitary system to federalism.

We have made a lot of ground towards this end, popularizing federalism and succeeded in having a draft Constitution prepared by the President’s appointed Constitutional Commission advocating a Bayanihan Federalism giving Power to the Regions and Power to the People. We firmly believe that this shift will bring about more direct democracy, greater people’s participation, better services, faster rural growth, and more development in our regions.

However, the ruling elites and obstructionist traditional politicians have been busy as well to thwart our march towards genuine change. They will hang on tough to retain their powers, privileges and perks to frustrate the long-clamored shift to federalism.

It is in this context that the formation of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) is a giant step to continue our common desire to push for federalism, to wage an education drive in all sectors, to pit our leaders against those who are against federalism in free and open electoral contests, and count our successes one by one until total victory for our cause.

The Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines, the grassroots movement for federalism, wish to extend our fraternal greetings of congratulations to PFP and to its officials led by Jayvee Hinlo as President and Tom Lantion as Secretary-General.

Mabuhay! Sama-sama sa Tagumpay ng Pederalismo!

DILG renews accreditation of Hugpong Federal as CSO partner in Federalism info drive

Copy of Renewal of Accreditation of HFMP as civil society organization (CSO) partner of DILG in undertaking the information drive on President Rodrigo Duterte's advocacy on Federalism

DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya who is in charge of the Federalism Information Campaign hands over a copy of the renewal of accreditation of HFMP as the government's partner in the information drive throughout the country.

Messages of Support for Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines renewal of accreditation:

"Congratulations to HFMP for doing an unparalleled job of helping educate our people about politics and governance by reaching them out in partnership with DILG! Shappo - as the French would say - I doff my hat!" (Sec Raul Lambino, CEO of CEZA, Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon and Chair of iConform Federal Philippines)

"HFMP is the last and best chance for Federalism to spread in the countryside." (Lito Monico Lorenzana, Christian Democratic Institute)

Hugpong Federal promises President they'll campaign more for Federalism

The President speaks before the nation September 11 to discuss among other things the advances of his advocacy on Federalism. He pitches the need to empower the regions for their own development.

The Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines, the grassroots campaign volunteers during the Listening Tour to popularize the advocacy of President Rodrigo Duterte, has vowed  to intensify its information drive as the clamor for the shift to a federal system is gaining ground nationwide.

Celso Tizon, Chairman of HFMP, thanked President Duterte who acknowledged the success of popularizing Federalism in the provinces in his address to the nation on Monday afternoon.

He said this has given the grassroots movement inspiration to pursue the education campaign even more as the country prepares to have a new Federal Constitution defining the shift to a federal system of government.

Tizon said Federalism will give back power to the regions, have more resources to address their own development and tap the vast potentials of the provinces in terms of human and natural resources to contribute to the over-all growth of the country's economy.

He said HFMP is scheduled to undertake more education and information activities in partnership with and support to the Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG), with the Constitutional Commission and other similar-minded organizations here and abroad among overseas Filipinos.

He said HFMP has just concluded its National Mindanao Summit in Cagayan de Oro attended by guest speaker Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol. It was also a show of force to condemn the senseless killing of HFMP Luzon Head Tim Saday, who was also a barangay captain in his hometown in Cabantao, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, he added.

Saday was shot several times near his residence in Cabantao after attending a DILG-sponsored Federalism Roadshow in Butuan City on September 6. He was recently elected barangay captain and has unearthed anomalies in his barangay involving ghost projects and missing barangay funds. He has since received death threats.

Tizon said a National Luzon Summit is scheduled on September 27 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur while barangay, municipal and provincial level federalism fora continues nationwide.

Zero Vote for anti-Federalism

With the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy for the May 2019 local and national election set on October 1-5, HFMP Chairman Celso Tizon has called on Filipinos not to vote for those blocking the shift to a federal system of government.

He said the people's vote for candidates against this fundamental change would become useless. Those opposing federalism are not for the people, he said.

Tizon said the Filipino people aspiring for real change to bring back power to the people and catalyze development in the regions should give zero vote to trapos (traditional politicians) who only want to retain their powers and privileges.

He said federalism promises to give greater voice and resources to the people to chart their own destiny in their own regions.

The May 9, 2019 elections will choose 12 senators, members of the Lower House and local officials.

Hugpong Federal Movement endorses Lambino for Senate

CEZA Chief Sec Raul Lambino graces the Hugpong Federal Movement Provincial Summit in Laoag, Ilocos Norte June 15 in his first official act as the newly-designated Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines, a grassroots movement campaigning for Federalism has endorsed Sec Raul Lambino to run for a Senate seat in the May 2019 elections.

HFMP Chairman Celso Tizon named Lambino as one among the most active officials of the Duterte Administration championing Federalism.

He said we need more of him in the Legislature to help shepherd the implementation of a federal system of government in the country.

At the Hugpong ng Pagbabago Convention in Davao City recently, President Rodrigo Duterte made a pitch for Lambino to seek a senate seat.

Lambino is the Chairman of the Confederation of the Federal Movement for the Philippines (iConForm) and currently the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) which operates the special economic zone and freeport based in Santa Ana, Cagayan.

He was also recently appointed as Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon.

Registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) HFMP is accredited as the only Civil Society Organization (CSO) partner of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on a national level in the federalism information drive throughout the country.

Founded in Davao, HFMP has nationwide reach of over 3 million volunteers organized since the 2015 Listening Tour of then Mayor Duterte.

HFMP intensifies grassroots info drive

The HFMP National leaders went down to the grassroots level events for the intensification of its information drive to promote Federalism. During the weekend, National chairman Celso Tizon and National Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz visited Barobo in Surigao del Sur (May 26). North of the the capital Manila, National Convenor Peter Lavina accompanied Luzon Head Tim Saday and NCR Head Ruth Coquilla in two barangays in Valenzuela City (May 27).

Elsewhere in the country, various units of the mass movement supporting the shift to a federal system continued with their volunteer efforts to popularize the four basic principles of federalism - PRRD or power-sharing, resources-sharing, respect-for-all and development-for-all. Among the activities was the successful celebration of its first year anniversary of HFMP Surigao del Norte Chapter (May 27).

Federalsim Forum at Barangay Coloong and Malanday, Valenzuela City

Hugpong Federal resumes info drive post Barangay polls

After the hiatus of education campaigns due to the holding of the recent Barangay and SK elections, HFMP is back on the road to continue its information drive for Federalism.

Chairman Celso Tizon will kick off the resumption of the campaign on May 26 with the Caraga Region Leaders Forum in Barobo, Agusan del Sur. In addition to Federalism, Tizon will also discuss lessons learned from the recent elections where vote-buying were reported to remain rampant.

He said part of our campaign for change is electoral change to make Federalism an effective tool for the advancement of the interest of the people.

On the other hand, National Convenor Peter Lavina will attend the Federalism Orientation in Valenzuela City on May 27.

Various other activities are also being lined up nationwide to help President Rodrigo Duterte's advocacy for Federalism reach as many all over the country.

HFMP is explaining to the people the Four Basic Principles of Federalism, namely Power-sharing, Resources-sharing, Respect-for-all and Development-for-all or PRRD.

Meanwhile, National Secretary-General Vergilio dela Cruz is coordinating with Regional Heads on plans to expand the National Secretariat Office to better manage the various activities being undertaken all over the country and HFMP chapters abroad.

Hugpong Federal plots next tasks on 3rd anniversary rites

Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philipines marked its 3rd year anniversary with a successful celebration at the LWUA Gym in Quezon City attended by over 3,000 delegates from all over the country.

Chairman Celso Tizon expressed gratitude to all Astig Volunteers who have remained firm and committed in helping popularize the advocacy of President Rodrigo Duterte for a shift to a federal system of government to bring change to the countryside.

HFMP was founded in Davao City on April 9, 2015 as the grassroots movement to help then Mayor Duterte who was being urged to run for president. It has since expanded nationwide and with chapter overseas and as of February 28 remained as the "sole accredited CSO partner" of the DILG Local Government Academy in undertaking an education campaign on the nationwide level.

It has campaigned from Appari to Tawitawi explaining the four basic principles of Federalism namely Power-sharing, Resources-sharing, Respect-for-all and Development-for-all or PRRD, the initials of the president.

National Convenor Peter Lavina outlined the key tasks of the movement as it starts its fourth year of volunteer work. These are 1) Continue its education campaign 2) Help draft and enact a new Federalist Constitution 3) Win at the plebiscite 4) Smooth transition by helping new regional states in their formation 5) Help elect Federalist officials.

Similar celebrations were held in the various regions of the country and in chapters abroad.

Mabuhay Astig Volunteers

MTV: Tatay Digong Elite Freshmiles

A timely birthday offering of Hugpong Federal Movement of the Philippines for our beloved PRRD, Tatay Digong. Big thanks to Tehani Hernandez Cawaling of HFMP Puerto Princesa for producing this MTV featuring Nigerian singer Elite Freshmiles.

HFMP completes Luz-Vi-Min Summits

HFMP Luzon Leaders Summit led by Tim Saday on March 17
 at the HPG Conference Room at Camp Crame, Quezon City

HFMP has completed its 3-Island Leaders Summit to intensify its education and information campaign as an accredited partner of the DILG Local Government Academy to popularize Federalism.

At the conclusion of the Luzon Summit at Camp Crame, Quezon City on March 17, Chairman Celso Tizon expressed elation over the success of the leadership consolidation meetings in Luzon, Visayas held on February 26-27 and in Mindanao held on February 1-2.

HFMP is the sole civil society organization partner of the DILG-LGA at the national level in the information drive for Federalism.

Delegates of the Luzon Summit came from Regions I, II, III,
IV-A, IV-B, V, CAR and NCR

HFMP National Convenor Peter Lavina told over 100 delegates from eight regions of Luzon and sectoral representatives that many challenges lie ahead that must be faced by the grassroots movement. 

He cited the work now being done by the Consultative Commission headed by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, the convening of Congress as a Constituent Assembly, the presentation of the new Charter to a people's plebiscite and the Transition towards a shift to the federal system.

He said with the continuing efforts of HFMP and other groups in pushing for Federalism and the determination of President Rodrigo Duterte, real changes in our government system will truly come.

The Luzon Summit was attended by special guests DILG Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III and the Administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration, Jeci Lapus, who is Head of the HFMP Political Affairs Committee.

Hugpong Federal is sole CSO accredited by DILG-LGA for Federalism info drive nationwide

Chairman Celso Tizon reiterated today the national leadership's directive for all HFMP Units from Regional, Provincial, Municipal and Barangay Federal Management Committees to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by DILG-LGA in undertaking Federalism information and education campaigns throughout the country.

He said this was spelled out in the Astig Volunteers Summit already held in Davao City Feb 1-2 for leaders in Mindanao and Feb 26-27 in Cebu City for leaders in the Visayas. He said the DILG-LGA and HFMP Memo of Agreement and LGA Guidelines will be discussed next at the Luzon Summit in Quezon City on March 17.

As the only accredited CSO at the national level as of end of February as shown in the DILG-LGA MEMO, he said this partnership gives HFMP added responsibility and challenge.

Tizon said the three years of massive experience of HFMP in organizing and undertaking education and information campaigns with the support of volunteers are proof of the ability of the mass movement for Federalism to succeed.

HFMP names Dr. Saratan new head for Visayas

Hugpong Federal Astig volunteers in the Visayas Region reaffirmed their commitment to help President Rodrigo Duterte's advocacy for Federalism as the two-day HFMP Visayas Summit resolved to intensify its education and information drive throughout the country.

Dr. Eric Saratan with SecGen Boy dela Cruz and Chairman Tizon

As part of the volunteer movement's organizational consolidation, Chairman Celso Tizon also named surgeon and former Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan as the new Head for Visayas Region.

The three main regions of Western. Central and Eastern Visayas as well as the Negros Island Region completed their master plans to pursue the shift to a federal system of government.

HFMP conducted its Mindanao Leaders Summit last February 1-2 in Davao City to explain the MOA between HFMP and the Local Government Academy of DILG. Chairman Tizon said plans to hold the next summit for Luzon will be in time for its 3rd anniversary on April 9, 2018.

Regional heads with National Chairman Tizon, National Convenor Lavina and SecGen dela Cruz

Renewal of commitment to help President Duterte pursue Federalism

Hugpong Federal Taiwan Forum

Ancient history shows forefathers moving towards Federalism

Without Western intervention and colonization, our islands from Luzon to Mindanaw would have confederated into one nation in a natural course of conquest and consolidation in nation-building. Recorded existing kingdoms rajahnates and sultanates pre Hispanic conquest already include 1. Kingdom of Tondo (extending up to Bicol) 900 AD, 2. Rajahnate of Butuan 1001 3. Namayan 1175 (Luzon) 4. Rajahnate of Cebu 1203 5. Kadatuan of Madja-as Panay / Negros 1213 6. Ma-i (Mindoro) 1227 7. Sultanate of Sulu (including Sabah and Palawan) 1406 8. Layag na Kaboloan (Pangasinan) 1406 9. Sultanate of Maguindanao 1500 10. Maynilad 1520. We are sure there were existing tribal kingdoms as well in the Cordillera but unrecorded. (Source: History of South East Asia - Every Year - Jake Mapping)

Hugpong Federal intensifies info drive as ConCom starts work

At the Mindanao Campaign Training in Davao City Feb 1-2, HFMP Astig Volunteers agreed to intensify its information drive and education campaign for Federalism as President Rodrigo Duterte's Constitutional Consultative Committee commences with its work to draft a new Federal Constitution.

The country's largest grassroots movement advocating for Federalism will continue its campaign four ways, namely, (1) on its own initiative and independence (2) with its MOA with the Local Government Academy of the DILG (3) in tandem with other Federalist groups such as iConForm Federal Philippines headed by Sec Raul Lambino and Federalist Forum of PdP-Laban Vice Chairman and Energy Sec Al Cusi  (4) and in support of the ConCom.

President Duterte named last week the first 19 members of the ConCom led by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno with seven coming from Mindanao. They are mandated to finish their job in six months time and submit a draft Constitution to Congress.

More than 700 HFMP leaders from all over Mindanao and the Regional Coordinators from all over the country were present for the first leg of training as part of consolidating the grassroots movement. The next leg will be in Visayas and then Luzon.

At the welcome rites, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was represented by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, Chairman of the Philippine Councilors League and one of the Coordinators of Tapang at Malasakit Alliance.

HFMP will also continue with its foray abroad to rally OFW support with Taiwan as the next stop.

Hugpong hails CJ Puno appointment to head ConCom

HFMP which is now undertaking preparations for the intensification of its information drive in partnership with DILG-Local Government Academy hails the formation of the Constitutional Consultative Committee appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

HFMP Chairman Celso Tizon said this is another step in achieving the goal of changing the highly- centralized government towards the federal system.

He said the President is correct in naming former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno as chair of the ConCom for his proven integrity, ability and understanding of Federalism.

Tizon said HFMP will fully support the ConCom in its tasks to hold nationwide consultation, study and drafting of the proposed Federal Constitution as well as its submission to Congress and to the people through a plebiscite.

Trainings set to implement Hugpong Federal partnership with DILG-LGA

Mindanao Leaders of HFMP will convene in Davao City on Feb 1-2 for a special training summit to implement the partnership with the Local Government Academy of the Department of Interior & Local Government (DILG). The same training will be undertaken for  Leaders in Visayas and Luzon as HFMP intensifies its information drive at the grassroots level promoting the basic principles of Federalism, an advocacy of President Rodrigo Duterte.

DILG-LGA has accredited HFMP as one of three non-government organization partners in its role as lead agency of government to undertake an information campaign on Federalism. Even before its accreditation, HFMP has been at the forefront of the information drive at the grassroots level since its founding three years ago as one of the campaign teams helping then Mayor Duterte who was being pushed to run for President.

Present during the meeting of the National Federal Management Committee in Davao City yesterday were Davao City Deputy Mayor Mike Nakan, National Convenor Peter Lavina, Philippine Councilors League Chairman Danilo Dayanghirang, National Adviser Gapor Randy Usman, National Chairman Celso Tizon, Businessman Eliezer Dayanghirang, Muslim Affairs Coordinator Engr. Sam Pangandaman and National Secretary-General Vergelio dela Cruz.

HFMP jam-packs Dujali, Davao del Norte Federalism Forum

Chairman Celso Tizon leads the federalism forum at Dujali Municipality, Davao del Norte January 23 organized by Region XI Head Conrado Pacifico Manigque in cooperation with local government officials

Massive crowd jam-packed the Municipal Gym of Dujali, Davao del Norte including local officials, civic leaders, farmers, women and youth

DILG Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III bats for support for the President Duterte's advocacy to shift to the federal system of government

PNP attends HFMP Forum in Batangas

What a contrast! While the Barangay Captain, DILG and PNP attempted to stop a Federalism Forum in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last Friday, in Batangas it was the exact opposite. Members of the PNP and auxiliary police of the LGU listen yesterday to the merits of Federalism - Power-sharing, Resources-sharing, Respect-for-all and Development-for-all (PRRD) during a HFMP Forum and Oath-taking.

Barangay Captain fails to stop Gingoog City Federalism Forum

Saludo to all Astig Volunteers in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Their information drive in Purok Quirino Maguindara, San Luis was stopped by Barangay Captain Alexander Mandamiento, accompanied by a DILG staff who is his relative and four policemen in uniform and two in civilian clothes for allegedly no permit. The people persisted in exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and succeeded in helping educate local famers and residents on the merits of Federalism. Such challenges face our HFMP members on a daily basis from feeble-minded local officials who obstruct change and abuse their powers to deny people of their basic rights to peaceful assemblies.

Signed manifesto on RevGov sent to Malacañang

Copies of signed manifesto calling on President Duterte to declare a revolutionary government to thwart obstruction to genuine change was sent by HFMP Caraga Region to the Office of the President in Malacañang. Recent moves by some Senators to stall charter change has intensified anew calls for RevGov as the only means available for the people to effect change for the Common Good of Filipinos suffering from the rotten unitary system of government and dominance of elites and "trapos" (traditional politicians).

HFMP joins call on Congress to fast track Federalism

Leaders of the newly-formed ConForm Federal Philippines led by Secretary Raul Lambino and Lito Lorenzana of the Centrist Democratic Institute including HFMP National Convenor Peter Lavina lobbied House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other leaders of Congress January 17 to fast track the process of revising the Constitution to pave the way for the shift to a federal system of government. The HFMP Timetable calls for Congress to convert itself into a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) to write the new Constitution of the Federal Republic of the Philippines this year in time to hold a plebiscite simultaneous with the mid-term election on May 2019.

LGU officials attend HFMP Forum with Pampanga Trike Operators, Drivers

Luzon HFMP Leaders with Presidents of different Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations headed by Mabalacat City Federation President and Mabalacat City Director Marvin Dela Cruz, Pampanga Board Member Benny Jocson, Mabalacat City Councilor Eddie Sotto, and Mabalacat City Councilor Gerd Aquino.

Copies of DILG-LGA Accreditation now available

National Consultant Presidential Assistant Wendel Avisado goes over copies of the DILG Accreditation Papers in Malacanang Palace after National Chairman Celso Tizon and Secretary-General Vergelio dela Cruz received them at the DILG-Local Government Academy Office in Ortigas Manila on January 10, 2018.

HFMP to share Federalism at Kidapawan Forum

Three not 10 years for Transition period to Federal system

From its beginnings during the Listening Tour of then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in early 2015, HFMP has already proposed a Timetable to effect a shift to a federal system of government of the country. The whole process will take place during the term of the incoming administration and not beyond.

The elected President in 2016 shall lead the Transition during the second half of his term (2019-2022) without disruption in the discharge of his functions as incumbent President in the old Constitution.

HFMP reiterates that this process is not only feasible and doable but will not disrupt the midterm election and with the following practical steps that will include a three year transition period.

Step 1 - Convene and conduct the national consultation and drafting of the new Federal Constitution by the Presidential Study Committee (Executive Order No. 10 already signed on December 7, 2016 by President Rodrigo Duterte)

Step 2 - Submission of this proposed new Federal Constitution to the Philippine Congress which shall convene as a Constituent Assembly for the passage of the new Federal Constitution

Step 3 - Once enacted by Congress, the proposed new Federal Constitution shall be submitted to the people via a plebiscite simultaneous with the May 2019 mid-term elections

Step 4 - If approved by the people, preparations shall commence for the creation of the new Regional State Governments and preparation, transfer of powers, functions, resources by the National Federal Government to the new Regional State Government (3 year Transition from 2019-2022)

Step 5 - Holding of the first election under the new Federal Constitution on May 2022

Step 6 - Inauguration of the new Federal Republic of the Philippines with its new set of Federal National Officials and new set of Regional State Governments on June 30, 2022

Busy first weekend for HFMP nationwide

Here's a look at HFMP activities during the first weekend of the year:

Santiago City, Isabela

Cadiz City, Negros Occidental

Las Piñas, Metro Manila

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Chairman Celso Tizon and SecGen Boy dela Cruz in Surigao del Norte

HFMP Leadership Seminar in Surigao del Norte

January 5, 2018 Recognition of Boluntaryong ASTIG Regional Speakers Provincial and Municipal Federal Management Committees of Surigao Del Norte during the Leadership Capability Seminar held at Bacuag Surigao Del Norte.