ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (left), former president Rodrigo Duterte (Facebook, Malacañang photo)

Makabayan bloc member ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said former president Rodrigo Duterte shouldn't propose Mindanao's separation from the Philippines due to the potential chaos it might cause. 

In a virtual press conference on Friday afternoon, Feb. 2, Castro said Duterte had the chance to pursue this issue during his term as president from 2016 to 2022. 

"Nasa kanya noon yung pagkakataon. Huwag niyang gamitin itong usapin ng paghihiwalay ng Mindanao kasi nagdulot ito ng gulo," said Castro, a House deputy minority leader. 

(He had the opportunity then. He shouldn't use this issue of Mindanao's proposed separation from the rest of the country since it has caused disorder.) 

"In fact, sinasabi nga ng iba, parang inciting to rebellion ang sinasabi ni President Duterte. Dahil sinasabi niya yung paghihiwalay, ito'y labag sa Konstitusyon," the militant solon said of the tough-talking former chief executive. 

(Some are saying that this statement of President Duterte is inciting to rebellion. Because the matter of separation is against the Constitution.) 

Castro claimed that things would have been very different if someone suggested the southern islands' separation from the rest of the country during Duterte's presidency. 

"Siguro kapag panahon niya, may magsalita ng ganyan ay baka pinahuli na niya," she said. 

(During his time, he would have had the person arrested immediately if such things were said.)