HINIMOK ng isang mambabatas si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na maging makabayan at suriing mabuti ang panawagan nito na humiwalay ang Mindanao mula sa Pilipinas.

Ipinaalala ni La Union Rep. 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo V P. Ortega, miyembro ng House Committee on Public Order ang nakasaad sa Bibliya na ang hating bahay ay hindi magtatagal at isang paalala na ang pagkakaisa ay mahalaga upang matamo ang katatagan at tagumpay.

“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,” ayon kay Ortega.

Binigyan diin pa ng mambabatas na ang pagsusulong ng paghihiwalay ay higit pang magpapalalim sa pagkakaiba ng mga Filipino na patuloy pa ring humaharap sa mga pagsubok matapos ang pandemya.

“The call for Mindanao’s separation at this critical juncture will only exacerbate the divisions and challenges our country is facing. Instead, we should be focusing on fostering unity and rebuilding our nation,” giit pa ni Ortega.

Sinabi pa ng mambabatas na mahalagang pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagpapanatili ng pagkakaisa, lalo na sa iba’t ibang suliraning kinakaharap ng bansa.

“As we navigate through these challenging times, it is imperative that we stand together as one nation, regardless of our differences. Division only weakens us, while unity strengthens our resolve to overcome adversity,” ayon pa sa mambabatas.

Tinukoy pa ng mambabatas ang mahalagang bahagi ng Mindanao sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, mayamang kultura at ambag sa kaunlaran ng bansa.

Moreover, Ortega highlighted the historical context of Mindanao’s integral role in the Philippines, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and contributions to the nation’s development.

“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,” ayon pa kay Ortega.

Sa halip na paghihiwalay, sinabi ni Ortega na ang pagkakaroon ng dayalogo at pagpapabuti sa pamamahala upang tugunan ang mga hinaing at ambisyon ng mga taga-Mindanao.

“Instead of resorting to divisive measures, we should engage in constructive dialogue and address the legitimate concerns of Mindanaoans through inclusive governance and meaningful reforms,” ayon pa kay Ortega.