MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of advocates for a federal form of government yesterday held a rally in Quezon City, which organizers described as the first of many activities to push for a change in the current political system.

Organizers were expecting around 20,000 to 25,000 for the event which started around 3 p.m., although police said the crowd numbered only around 5,000.

Those who joined the rally at the Quezon City Memorial Circle came from various parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Cavite and Bulacan.

The rally was organized by IConform Phils. headed by Cagayan Economic Zone Authority administrator Raul Lambino.

Among the personalities in the gathering was former Supreme Court chief justice Reynato Puno, whom President Duterte appointed to head a consultative committee that will review the 1987 Constitution.

In an interview with reporters, Puno cited the need to gauge if the campaign for a shift to federalism is gaining support from the public.

“It is important that we feel the support of the public because this federalism is for the welfare of the people,” said Puno.

He thinks calls for a shift to a federal system has enough support, considering the people’s experience under a unitary form of government.

He added that Muslims in Mindanao have also long wanted to be given the right to self determination

“This is the better time really to shift from unitary to federalism, especially with the crisis in Mindanao,” said Puno.

Angeles City, Pampanga Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, who heads the 145-strong League of Cities of the Philippines, said Filipinos are now ready for federalism.

“We are already at a crossroads,” he told reporters, adding that about 90 percent of their members are supportive of Duterte’s push for a federal system of government.

Lambino, for his part, said federalism will solve the country’s problems such as political dynasties.

“Right now, the political dynasties in the Philippines have gone worse,” he said.