Federalism fever sweeps LMP

Seventy (70) municipal mayors from all over the Philippines, including 50 chapter presidents of the League of Municipalities of the Philipines (LMP), took their oath as new members of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) on Tuesday in Lubao, Pampanga.

Led by LMP National President and Socorro, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Maria Fe Villar-Brondial, the mayors pledged their support for the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte and their commitment to the principles PDP Laban in front of Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, president of the ruling party, and party secretary-general House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

"Our drive to federalize the Philippines just received a big boost with the leaders of LMP on board," said Pimentel.

The Senate President added that the LMP provides a formidable machinery for the party's information drive in preparation for the shift to Federalism.

LMP is the association representing the 1,490 municipalities all over the country.

This event is the latest in a series of mass oath-takings of local leaders joining the ruling party.

Previously, the local leaders of Laguna, Cavite, Lanao del Norte, Nueva Ecija, and Masbate have held their own swearing-in ceremonies.

However, Alvarez made it clear that the recruitment drive does not mean that the Party will protect narcopoliticans from President Duterte's War on Drugs.

"Mahirap kapag meron (sumali sa partido ng sabit sa droga), patay tayo kay Presidente diyan," said Alvarez.

This sentiment was echoed by Pimentel, who said the ruling party will not do anything to protect members on the drug list of the President.

Aside from Pimentel and Alvarez, other notable personages present included former President and current Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Francis Tolentino, and Pampanga Governor Lilia "Baby" Pineda.