Yt Framework

Since the Philippine Constitution is patterned after the US constitution, Senator Tito Sotto yesterday morning said he favors the creation of a federal government to solve the peace problem in Mindanao.

Sotto was in this city together with Senator Gregorio Honasan as they were invited by Congresswoman Isabelle Climaco to assist her in the inauguration of a diversionary road in barangay San Roque.

Both senators have also been declared as adopted sons of San Roque barangay by the barangay council led by chairman Bernardo Clemente.

In an interview, Sotto disclosed that the issue of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s requesting the national government the creation of a Bangsamoro sub-state to be under its helm should be studied first, adding it is not going to happen overnight.

“We might need a constitutional amendment to accommodate that which would also include the proposal of federalism since our constitution is patterned after the U.S. government,” Sotto said.

He said Filipinos support anything that will promote peace not only in Mindanao but the country as a whole.

Honasan said details of the talks of President Noynoy Aquino and the MILF has not yet been shared to them and he advised the people against passing judgment immediately.

“Everybody wants peace. We do not want to set a dangerous precedent that will entail political, social and economic cause including the cause or integrity of the people through appeasement. It must be driven with comprehensive long term peace policy that will break the cycle of ceasefire, negotiations, violations of the ceasefire agreement at the expense of civilian lives, destruction of lives and properties,” Honasan stressed.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said although he was surprised, he appreciated Aquino’s efforts in trying to bring peace to Mindanao which hopefully will happen under his term.

“We are concerned about it. We want peace but not appeasement,” Lobregat said.

The mayor stressed that in the peace agreement, there should be no dismembermernt of the republic and the MOA-AD should not be made as reference since it has already been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court 

“We are hoping and praying that the sentiments of the people not only in Zamboanga but all the other areas in Mindanao will be heard through consultations and will be respected,” Lobregat emphasized.

Asked why the national government continues to field in government negotiators who are not from Mindanao, Honasan said maybe the people in Mindanao are still suffering from the Imperial Manila syndrome which he said, even the principles of self determination is impacting on the ongoing peace process.

"This is a valid issue, I will have to bring this concern to them,” Honassan said.

Honasan stressed that there should be meaningful consultation, the involvement of all sectors especially during the actual negotiations.

By Nonong Santiago