By Lilian C. Mellejor
DAVAO CITY, Nov. 30 (PNA) –- City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte convened leaders of all political, business, military, religious, academe, and the civil society organizations here to tackle the possibility of pushing Federalism as a viable alternative to the prevailing “antiquated system” and to effect meaningful political and social changes in the country.
The Summit, which will be held at the Grand Menseng Hotel Monday, December 1, aims to address conscienticized leaders dubbed: “Mindanaons Forging Unity Toward a Federal System of Government”.
In an invitation letter, Duterte said the Summit also aims to forge a well-informed united front to craft a collective plan of action on what is perceived as an arduous and long quest for Mindanao’s true identity reflective of the wishes and aspirations of the various tribes and peoples in the island.
Former president Fidel Ramos is one of the panel of reactors (for or against). He will be joined by former Davao Archbishop Msgr. Fernando Capalla; Ateneo de Davao University president Fr. Joel Tabora; University of Mindanao Student Council president Krista Iris Melgarejo; Ret. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. for the military; Paul Dominguez for the business sector; Severino Mamboo for the Indigenous People; and, a representative of the PhilConsa for the Constitutionalist.
Reuben Canoy, founder of Radio Mindanao Network and is one of Mindanaons’ strong advocates of Federalism will discuss the rationale of the Summit; Professor Sukarno Tanggol, the Chancellor of the Mindanao State University to discuss the Theoretical Basis of Federalism.
The past months have seen Duterte strongly advocating for Federalism as a alternative option to the Bangsamoro autonomy even as he has thrown his support to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
Duterte dismissed assumptions that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is the “last card” to solve the Moro insurgency in Mindanao. The mayor suggested taking Federal state for a peaceful Mindanao.
In events and conventions here and outside the city, Duterte found opportunity to briefly discuss Federalism, including in one of his encounters with Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles, the mayor even urged the secretary to also see Federalism as another option to a peaceful Mindanao.
What if it (BBL) failed along the way? It will be a failed dream for everybody, he said, although he was hoping that it would pass Congress and the Supreme Court.
Duterte did not discount any possibility of some people in Mindanao to demand the right to self-determination. “One day, we will face hostilities in the east and west side. If it becomes bloody then UN (United Nations) will come in and these people will ask for their right to self-determination,” he said. (PNA)