60 governors, mayors join President Marcos’ Partido Federal

MANILA, Philippines — At least 60 governors and town mayors joined President Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) party and took their oaths over the weekend.

PFP national president and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Sucayan Tamayo Jr. said the first batch of new party members took their oaths before Marcos at Malacañang last Friday while the second batch was sworn in by the President, party secretary general Thompson Lantion and Manila chapter president lawyer Alex Lopez at the PFP headquarters in Manila last Saturday.

Tamayo said more governors, board members, municipal mayors, councilors, and even barangay captains and kagawads (deputies) are expected to join the party, chaired by Marcos, to make the PFP the ruling party in the coming years.

Among those who took their oaths were Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib, Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Anne Hoferga, Batanes Gov. Malou Cayco and Laguna Vice Gov. Karen Agapay; Mahatao, Batanes Mayor Pedro Poncio; Uyugan, Batanes Mayor Jonathan Enrique Nanud Jr.; Sabtang, Batanes Mayor Prescila Babalo; Itbayat, Batanes Mayor Sabas de Sagon; Ivana, Batanes Mayor Celso Batallones; and Basco, Batanes Mayor German Caccam.

The new members vowed to support Marcos’ economic and food security agenda to enable the administration improve the lives of the people, especially in the countryside.

“We particularly welcome the President’s decision not to relinquish his post as agriculture chief as he knows what to do and has the solutions needed to address problems in that sector,” Tamayo said.

“He also wants to improve the poverty line from 18 percent down to a single digit of nine or even eight percent to ensure food security,” he added, explaining the reasons why many local leaders have moved to the PFP.