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)

By Junex Doronio

‌MANILA — Saying that it will only be a “waste of time and money,”  the Liberal Party (LP) has junked the proposal to effect amendments to the 1987 Constitution following the renewed push of charter change (Cha-Cha) at the House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

In a statement on Tuesday, December 19, the erstwhile ruling party said pushing Cha-Cha at this point “will take away resources that could otherwise be used to address rising commodity prices, the education crisis, and new environmental and health threats.”

The LP also asked if the 1987 Constitution should be blamed why foreign investors were reluctant to invest in the country.

“Is the Constitution to blame on why investors are not approaching us?” When we open foreign ownership of businesses, are our infrastructures, manpower, and institutions ready for those changes?” the opposition party further said.

It also aired apprehensions that Cha-Cha will not only amend the economic provisions in the charter.

“When the amendment to the Constitution is opened, nothing prohibits the change in other provisions, which also includes those on term limits and the prohibition of political dynasties,” the LP maintained.

It added: “Any additional office, officials, positions, or even expenses are added to the burden of the Filipino people, especially in the midst of the biggest budget deficit and debt-financing in our history after the reckless borrowing from the [Rodrigo] Duterte administration.”

(IAMIGO/MNM)

MANILA — The Liberal Party has designated Leila de Lima, former senator, as the official spokesperson, as announced by Edcel Lagman, the party president and Representative of Albay First District.

The decision was made during the party’s management committee meeting on Monday (04 Dec 2023).

In addition to her role as the party spokesperson, de Lima has also been appointed as the vice president for policy, platform, and advocacy.

Lagman stated that de Lima has expressed her commitment to actively contribute to advancing the party’s agenda on good governance, social justice, and liberalism.

While de Lima has not disclosed her political intentions, Lagman mentioned that she plans to consult with her allies and family before making any announcements.

It’s worth noting that de Lima is currently on bail for the third drug charge filed against her.

(ai/mnm)