Pumirma ang 57 miyembro ng House of Representatives sa isang Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development na tumatanggi, nang walang pag-alinlangan, sa panukalang Mindanao secession na isinusulong ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Ang 53 kinatawan mula sa Mindanao ang manifesto, kasama ang tatlong kinatawan mula sa partylist, at isang miyembro ng Kamara mula sa Visayas, ay tumatanggi na sundin ang mga panawagan para sa Mindanao secession.
“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,” pahayag ni Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, isa sa mga pumirma at ang chair ng House Committee on Muslim Affairs.
Matatandaang nanawagan kamakailan sina Duterte at Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez para sa Mindanao secession, na umami ng maraming kritisismo mula sa maraming sektor sa Pilipinas.
“We, the elected representatives of Mindanao in the House of Representatives, firmly oppose the calls for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines. Our stance is deeply rooted in our belief in national unity, the power of inclusive development, and the promise of a peaceful, progressive future for all Filipinos, including the indigenous people of Mindanao,” ayon sa manifesto.
Kinilala rin ng mga kinatawan ang kritikal na papel ng Mindanao sa pambansang ekonomiya, at binanggit ang mga hakbang na ginawa ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. para mapaunlad ang rehiyon.
“His administration’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural revitalization, and economic empowerment in Mindanao is pivotal. These efforts aim to ensure that progress reaches every corner of Mindanao, contributing to the nation’s overall growth and stability,” sabi ng manifesto.
“Our pursuit of peace and security is aligned with the government’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of the BARMM. We believe that lasting peace is achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive governance, under the banner of our sovereign nation,” pagbibigay-diin nito.
Sinabi nila na ang mga hamon na hinaharap ng Mindanao at ng buong bansa ay nangangailangan ng kolektibong aksyon at pakikiisa.
“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,” sabi nila sa dokumento.
Ipinahayag din ng mga miyembro ng Kamara ang kanilang suporta sa kahalagahan ng pagtataguyod sa Konstitusyon at sa batas.
“We call for the diligent prosecution of all individuals and entities fostering disunity among our people, blatantly violating our Constitution, and threatening the sovereign integrity of our nation,” sabi ng manifesto.
“Such actions not only undermine our democratic principles, the peace and security of our communities, and the collective welfare of the Filipino people but also betrays our oath of office to support and defend the Constitution, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same, imposing upon ourselves this solemn obligation voluntarily, without mental reservation and purpose of evasion,” idinagdag pa nila.
“It is therefore imperative that we stand together to protect our constitutional democracy through legal means, ensuring that those who seek to divide us are held accountable under the full extent of the law,” sabi nila.
Ang tatlong kinatawang mula sa partylist na sumang-ayon sa manifesto kasama ng 53 kinatawan mula sa Mindanao ay sina Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, PBA Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, at Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut. Si Biliran Rep. Gerardo Espina Jr. rin ay isa rin sa pumirma sa manifesto.
“The path to a prosperous Mindanao lies not in secession but in unity, inclusive growth, and the relentless pursuit of peace. We call upon our fellow Mindanaoans, Filipinos across the nation, and the international community to join us in supporting a vision of a united, equitable, and thriving Philippines,” dagdag pa nito.
Photo credit: Facebook/HouseofRepsPH
