Federalism and Rodrigo Duterte

[1] He also had advance federalism as a solution to the Moro conflict insisting in a campaign promise that "nothing short will bring peace to Mindanao.

"[2] In Duterte's first State of the Nation Address in 2016, he directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government to launch a nationwide information campaign to promote the benefits of federalism.

[7] In a democracy summit hosted by US President Joe Biden in December 2021, Duterte stated that his bid for federalism has failed citing failure to secure sufficient support from the Congress.

The draft constitution formulated by the Concom 'allows the president to assume all the necessary powers of government – executive, legislative, and judiciary – to prevent the breakup' of the proposed federated republic, according to Consultative Committee chairman Reynato Puno.

[22] This was met with opposition from some critics, including lawyer and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and Albay province Rep. Edcel Lagman.

[23] It was feared that the proposed charter would enable an authoritarian regime similar to that of Ferdinand Marcos during the Martial Law era.

In a statement, he said that the proposed constitution was “overtly designed to secure, if not coerce, popular anointment of the Consultative Committee's handiwork which was approved without the benefit of prior extensive local consultations.”[24] Later however, Teehankee stated that he "misspoke" during the interview, saying that the president and vice president are barred from running, and assured that their terms will not be extended, referring to Section 16 of the draft charter, which was not yet available to the public at that time.

[25] In contrast, Concom member and former senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said, "Theoretically it is true (Duterte can seek re-election), but in Digong's case, I am convinced that he does not want to run again.

"[26] Rodrigo Duterte has also announced that he had no intention to serve beyond his term, and that he is willing to step down earlier than 2022, in case the shift to federalism pushes through.

By the end of March 2018, 37% of Filipinos agree, while 29% disagree, when asked if they are in favor of a federal system of government, based on a survey of 1,200 adults aged 18 and above by SWS.

[39][40] This sentiment is shared also by various opposition senators and representatives, including Francis Pangilinan and Franklin Drilon[41] Left-wing political parties such as the democratic socialist Akbayan and the more radical Bagong Alyansang Makabayan have also voiced disapproval of charter change.

[49] Candidate and labor leader Leody de Guzman opposes federalism and believes that politicians advocating for it is using it as a distraction to avoid discourse on other issues he finds more urgent and important.