Federalism in the Philippines (Filipino: Pederalismo sa Pilipinas) is a proposed form of

government in the country. Filipino national heroes Emilio Aguinaldo and Apolinario Mabini were the
first to suggest dividing the islands into three federal states.[

One of the first proponents of federalism in the Philippines is University of the Philippines professor
Jose Abueva who argued that a federal form of government is necessary to more efficiently cater to
the needs of the country despite its diversity.[2] The primary goals of a constitutional amendment is to
increase decentralization, greater local power and access to resources most especially among
regions outside Metro Manila which has long been dubbed as rather imperial.[3] Aside from Abueva,
senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. is a prominent supporter of federalism who, since 2001, has
advocated for federalism. He sees the proposed system as a key component in alleviating the
Mindanao crisis and appeasing Moro insurgents. Federalism will also hasten economic development
since resource and financial mobilization is upon each states' or provinces' discretion without
significant constraint from the central government.[4]
Due to the Senate and Congress resolutions supporting charter change, an estimated 13,000 to
15,000 people gathered in Makati in 2009 to protest against administration proposals for
constitutional reform. This was in line with speculations that Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo would use such amendment to extend her hold in office.[5] In addition, Pulse Asia published in
the same year their survey regarding public support towards the proposed charter change. Their
report stated that four out of ten Filipino adults or 42% of all respondents opposed the amendment.
Meanwhile, 25% were still undecided and 33% were in favor. Pulse Asia furthered that from 2006 to
2009, there was no significant change of sentiment against charter change, but indecision increased
by 6%.[6]
Beginning in late 2014, Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte launched a nationwide campaign
promoting a charter change for federalism. During his visit to Cebu City in October of the same year,
Duterte stated that federalism will facilitate better delivery of services to the people.[7] He also saw
the current system as "antiquated"[8] where distribution of public funds is disproportionately biased
towards Manila. Aside from the economic aspect, federalism is also seen as the best means to
address problems in Mindanao which suffers the most from ethnoreligious conflicts.[9] He added that
the current unitary form of government has not worked well given the ethnic diversity in the
country.[10] In spite of rejecting several calls for candidacy for the 2016 presidential elections, he also
cited his reforms if he were to be president. Parallel to his campaign for federalism, Duterte plans to
privatize tax collection and abolish the Congress to make way for a unicameral legislature, contrary
to the originally proposed Joint Resolution No. 10.[11]
Movements for federalism were further intensified since the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law was
submitted by Philippine president Benigno Aquino III to the Congress in September 10, 2014.[12] If
approved, this law establishes the Bangsamoro as an autonomous region with its own parliamentary
government and police force.[13] Approval of the Bangsamoro structure provides federalism
proponents and supporters added confidence to clamor for the national government to enact reforms
towards a more decentralized system for the rest of the country.[8]
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte stated in May 2016 that a plebiscite on the proposed replacement of
the unitary state with a federal one will be held in two years.[14] On December 7, 2016, Duterte
signed Executive Order No. 10 creating a consultative committee to review the 1987 Constitution.[15]