11-2-2024 (MANILA) A lawmaker from Mindanao has called for an end to discussions about separating the region from the rest of the Philippines, highlighting that even former President Marcos had expressed his stance on the matter.
In a statement, Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez urged former President Rodrigo Duterte and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to cease any dialogue regarding Mindanao secession.
Rodriguez emphasized that the current President had already made it clear that he would not permit any group to divide the country.
“The former president, former speaker, and their followers should refrain from any talk or any actual plan, if there is any, to secede Mindanao. President Marcos has unequivocally stated that he would not allow our national territory to be diminished ‘even by one square inch’ and would not entertain ‘even an iota of suggestion of its breaking apart,'” he stated.
Rodriguez underscored the seriousness of Marcos’ position and urged those advocating for Mindanao independence to take his statements seriously.
The lawmaker pointed out that discussions of secession do not contribute positively to Mindanao’s progress.
“It is counterproductive. It deters investors. Most of our island, particularly the Davao provinces, which are the stronghold of President Duterte, are now economically prosperous and peaceful, including the BARMM area,” he added.
Rodriguez expressed the need for Mindanaoans to trust and give President Marcos a chance to support and develop Mindanao, considering that he is only in the early stages of his six-year term.
He maintained that Mindanao still requires a larger budget under the Marcos administration, as the current year’s budget allocates only 16 percent to the region, significantly less than the Luzon regions and Metro Manila.
Mindanao contributes 25 percent of the nation’s wealth and comprises 23 percent of the country’s population. Seven of the 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines are located in Mindanao.
Quoting Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who hails from Mindanao, Rodriguez asserted that the national government has been actively working towards sustaining peace and prosperity on the island, and its programs are beginning to yield positive results.
“Unlike in the past, our beloved island is well-represented in the Cabinet. Let’s trust her word and put an end to all discussions of secession, which hinder progress,” he added.
Mindanao is an integral part of the national territory, and according to Manila Representative Joel Chua, any separation of Mindanao would require revising the 1987 Constitution.
“Secession, per se, is therefore unconstitutional… Mindanao is part of our national territory and must be protected,” Chua stated.
He noted that a revision, rather than mere amendment, of the Constitution is necessary since it would impact not only Article I on the National Territory but also various other articles concerning the national economy and patrimony, electoral processes, congressional representation, foreign relations, armed forces, national police, and jurisdiction of government agencies.
