Mindanao lawmakers reject region’s secession
A total of 53 Mindanaoan solons have expressed their strong objection to the proposed independent Mindanao.
Through a manifesto, these lawmakers rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte and former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for secession of Mindanao.
Aside from the Mindanaoan solons, three party-list representatives and a Visayan lawmaker signed in the unified manifesto of Mindanao congressmen for national integrity and development.
“We signed the manifesto as one voice, one nation, rejecting all calls for the secession of Mindanao. We will not be a party to an unconstitutional proposal to break the territorial integrity of the Philippines. We make our intentions known, as Mindanao lawmakers,” said Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, one of the signatories and chair of the House committee on Muslim affairs.
According to the solons, their stance is deeply noted in their belief in national unity, the power of inclusive development and the promise of a peaceful, progressive future for all Filipinos, including indigenous people of Mindanao.
Acknowledging the critical role of Mindanao in the national economy, the solons said they appreciate the significant steps taken by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize development in the region.
Marcos’ administration is focusing on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural revitalization and economic empowerment in Mindanao is pivota.
Likewise, the solons said their pursuit of peace and security is aligned with government’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
They said the challenges facing Mindanao and the entire country demand collective action and shared responsibility.
“We commend the Marcos administration’s dedication to addressing disparities and fostering a more inclusive development model. These initiatives reinforce our conviction that the aspirations of Mindanaoans for autonomy, recognition and development can be realized more effectively within the context of a united and sovereign Philippines,” they said in the document.
The members of the House of Representatives also expressed unwavering commitment to the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
The three party-list representatives who also signed the manifesto along with the 53 Mindanao lawmakers are Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, PBA Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, and Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut as well as Biliran Rep. Gerardo Espina Jr.
