A total of 57 members of the House of Representatives – 53 of whom are from Mindanao – signed a Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development that rejects, in no uncertain terms, the proposal of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao.
The manifesto was signed by 53 Mindanao lawmakers, three partylist representatives, and one House member from the Visayas, all refusing to heed calls for a 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,” Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, one of the signatories and also the chair of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs, said in a House press release Feb. 21.
Duterte and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez called for an independent Mindanao, which has drawn so much criticism and flak from many sectors in the Philippines.
“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,” the manifesto read.
“Mindanao’s vibrant cultural diversity represents the nation’s broader principle of unity in diversity. We stand for fostering understanding and collaboration across all communities within the framework of the Republic, enriching our shared national identity and heritage,” it added.
The lawmakers acknowledged the critical role of Mindanao in the national economy, with an appreciation of the “significant steps taken by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize development in our region.”
“His administration’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural revitalization, and economic empowerment in Mindanao is pivotal,” they said, adding “Our pursuit of peace and security is aligned with the government’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of the BARMM.”
The solons also expressed their unwavering commitment to the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. “The path to a prosperous Mindanao lies not in secession but in unity, inclusive growth, and the relentless pursuit of peace.” ||
