By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It’s just a diversionary tactic.
This was expressed on Tuesday (06 Feb 2024) by the opposition Liberal Party (LP), saying the call of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to separate Mindanao from the Philippines was not driven by a genuine desire for regional growth but out of his selfish interests.
In a statement, LP spokesperson Leila de Lima said the idea of separating Mindanao from the rest of the country was his “desperate attempt to deflect scrutiny and avoid accountability for his actions during his presidency.”
“Hindi maka-Mindanao, kundi makasarili, ang itinutulak na secession ni Rodrigo Duterte… Duterte’s history reveals a concerning pattern of exploiting divisive tactics for personal gain. His abrupt withdrawal from the (International Criminal Court) investigation into the drug war demonstrates this strategy,” De Lima said.
The LP urged the Filipino people to reject Duterte’s “divisive rhetoric and embrace a shared vision of a just, prosperous nation.”
“Now, faced with potential legal repercussions, he resurrects the secession issue, a highly sensitive and complex topic, to manipulate public discourse and divert attention,” De Lima added.
She pointed out that there must be a focus on real solutions that address the challenges Mindanao and the entire Philippines face and the Filipinos should refuse to be distracted by dangerous ploys motivated by personal gain.
“Malalim ang magiging implikasyon ng paghiwalay ng Mindanao hindi lang para sa mga kapatid natin sa timog, kundi pati sa buong Pilipinas. Malinaw naman: kapayapaan, katatagan, at mas maraming oportunidad ang kailangan ng mga Pilipino sa Mindanao. Hindi ang kung anumang pinagkakaabalahan ngayon ng mga lasing sa kapangyarihan,” De Lima concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
