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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson explains why Mindanao secession will not happen

Lacson explains why Mindanao secession will not happen

Published Feb 1, 2024 09:34 am

Any attempt to declare Mindanao as an independent is unconstitutional and will not prosper, retired national police chief and former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said. 

Lacson explained that Article 1 of the 1987 Constitution is the reason why any secession of Mindanao will not happen.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Lacson cited the provision which states, ““The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction.”

Earlier, former president Rodrigo Duterte brought up the idea of Mindanao secession over what appears to be an ongoing verbal tussle with the camp of President Marcos.

A number of lawmakers and legal experts rejected the call, saying it is not possible under the Philippine Constitution.

Even lawmakers from Mindanao have publicly opposed the idea, including Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri who said that secession would affect the country’s economy and that this would only lead to a divided country.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who is also from Mindanao, also rejected the move that includes gathering of signatures for the purpose, saying the focus should be on working together to make the Philippines function as a working effective State.

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