Kailangan ng isang nagkakaisang bansa para masiguro ang pag-unlad.
Ito ang binigyang diin ni 1-Rider Partylist Representative Rodge Gutierrez sa gitna ng panawagang ihiwalay ang Mindanao mula sa buong Pilipinas.
Punto ng mambabatas kung hahatiin ang bansa ay magugulo ang economic stability at maaapektuhan ang pag-asenso hindi lang ng Mindanao ngunit ng buong bansa.
“If we allow our nation to be divided, it would undermine our solidarity with each other as Filipinos. It would disrupt economic stability and hinder growth opportunities for both Mindanao and the rest of the country. We need a united nation, which is crucial for collective progress and development,” paliwanag ni Gutierrez
Bilang miyembro ng House Committee on Constitutional Amendments suportado ng mambabatas ang nauna nang pahayag ng Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na taliwas ang panawagang Mindanao secession sa nakasaad sa Saligang Batas.
“The constitution is clear, Article I provides for our National Territory, we are one archipelago. There is no constitutional provision or any other legal means that would allow for Mindanao to unilaterally secede.”
Paalala naman ni La Union Rep. 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo V P. Ortega ang isang aral sa bibliya na ang isang bayan o sambahayang naglalaban-laban ay mawawasak.
“Let us remember the wisdom of the Scriptures: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.’ It is crucial that we uphold the unity and integrity of our nation,” ani Ortega
Idinagdag pa ng mambabatas ang historical context ng papel ng Mindanao sa mayamang kultura at pag-unlad ng bansa.
“Mindanao has been an integral part of the Philippines since its inception, contributing significantly to our nation’s cultural diversity and economic prosperity. Any attempt to separate it from the rest of the country undermines its historical and cultural significance,” sabi pa ng mambabatas.
Ganito rin ang paniwala ni Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, aniya marami nang mga Mindanaoan ang humawak ng mahahalagang pwesto sa gobyerno, patunay sa mahalagang papel ng rehiyon sa pagpapatakbo ng bansa.
Kabilang na dito sila Vice President Sara Duterte, dating bise presidente at lawmaker Teofisto Guingona, Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., anak nitong si Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III at kasalukuyang Senate President Juan Miguel ‘Migz” Zubiri.
“The fact that Mindanaoans have held prominent positions in the highest offices of the land is a testament to their integral role within the Philippine nation. To entertain notions of secession undermines the unity and stability that our country has worked so hard to maintain,” wika ni Adiong.
Hindi na rin aniya dapat bumuo ng panibagong gulo sa Mindanao na, nagsisimula pa lang maghilom.
“This attempt to separate Mindanao from the Philippines is not only unconstitutional but also a blatant disrespect to our duly constituted authority. We cannot allow the integrity of our nation to be compromised by such reckless actions. President Marcos has unequivocally stated that such an undertaking is unconstitutional, and as a nation, we must honor and respect his position as the duly elected leader,” sabi ni Adiong.| ulat ni Kathleen Forbes
