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Monday, July 25, 2005
Mindanao political leaders want agenda in Sona
By Bong S. Sarmiento
MINDANAO political leaders who gathered on Friday in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon are hoping President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will include their agenda when the President delivers her State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez revealed this development, adding that Visayas political leaders were also invited but only as "observers."
This is the second time Mindanao leaders gathered within two weeks amid the brewing political instability and economic uncertainty in the nation's capital.
Mindanao leaders earlier held the 1st Mindanao Political Leaders Summit at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on July 12.
The Davao summit, which was attended by hundreds of Mindanao political leaders, passed four resolutions; foremost of which was the rejection of any leader installed through unconstitutional means.
In a letter to Mindanao leaders, conference convener Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri said: "As we discuss options and directions, we hope that we can reach major decisions that will be incorporated in the State of the Nation Address of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 25."
Dominguez, deputy secretary general for Mindanao of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, said the convention was conceptualized to "explore options for alternative governance that would bring about true peace and development" in Mindanao.
"We have been functioning as a government in Mindanao. A lot of projects and government initiatives are being enjoyed by the people. Come to Mindanao or Sarangani for that matter and you will see an efficient government," Dominguez said in a statement.
He added that the fate of the nation should not be decided only by a million people at the expense of 84 million others.
Dominguez said that if there will be another change in government without the voice of Mindanao, Mindanaons might as well not recognize any leader installed.
For his part, Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piñol, who is also the president of the Confederation of Mindanao Governors, City Mayors and Municipal Mayors, said it is high time that the voice of Mindanao should be heard by those in "imperial Manila".
For Bisaya stories from General Santos.Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(July 25, 2005 issue)
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