Former president Rodrigo Duterte (left), Vice President Sara Duterte (Malacañang photo, Facebook)

Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong is using the Duterte family's own political success story as ammunition against former president Rodrigo Duterte's controversial Mindanao secession plan. 

According to Adiong, Mindanao has been fully represented in government via the prominent personalities who have emerged from the region. 

The congressman said former president Duterte and Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, a former House Speaker, both hail from the southern islands. 

Furhter highlighting the historical significance of Mindanao in Philippine politics, Adiong said Vice President Sara Duterte also hails from Mindanao. Vice President Duterte is the eldest daughter of the ex-president. 

"The fact that Mindanaoans have held prominent positions in the highest offices of the land is a testament to their integral role within the Philippine nation," noted Adiong. "To entertain notions of secession undermines the unity and stability that our country has worked so hard to maintain." 

The elder Duterte--the main proponent of a "separate and independent" Mindanao--served as chief executive from 2016 to 2022. 

The two Dutertes were erstwhile mayors of Davao City before they were respectively elected to national positions. 

Adiong says other Midnanaoans currently holding key positions in government are Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri; and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, himself a former Senate President. 

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He said former vice president and respected statesman Teofisto Guingona Jr., who, despite being born in San Juan, spent his formative years in Mindanao. 

Adiong also said that the late Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr.--another Mindanaoan leader and champion of democracy and national unityzzserves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of the nation. 

"We must honor the vision of our forefathers who fought for a united Philippines. Unity in diversity is not just a slogan but a fundamental principle that binds us together as a nation," he said. 

Adiong, a member of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, said the pursuit of Mindanao's separation from the Philippines is a direct contradiction to the principles enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. 

“President Marcos has unequivocally stated that such an undertaking is unconstitutional, and as a nation, we must honor and respect his position as the duly elected leader,” he added.