EITHER through constitutional assembly or constitutional convention, Cordillera's bid for autonomy will be affected, expressed Ifugao representative Teddy Baguilat.
“Una, ang preference ko ay hindi constitutional assembly, again I am not saying that our legislators are not capable but mahaba itong talakayan na ito, it will take years,” Baguilat told SunStar Baguio.
Baguilat said there are some provisions in the constitution, which can be affected by personal interest such as the anti-political dynasty provision including the Cordillera’s bid for autonomy.
“Hindi natin maaalis yung mga parochial o personal interest ng mga politicians natin kung sila ang mag papasya. One of the strongest provisions right now is the anti-political dynasty provision. I’m sure if the senators and the congressman’s decide on that provision baka isa yan sa matanggal,” Baguilat said.
“This is the reason why sa simula pa lamang kinakailangang malakas na ang boses ng Cordillera tungkol sa ating desire na magkaroon tayo ng Cordillera Autonomous Region because ang palaging pinapansin ay ang Bangsamoro, so baka ang mangyari ay ma- maintain ang Bangsamoro pero kalimutan nila ang Cordillera,” Baguilat said.
Baguilat, meanwhile, laments the government in their lack of interest in the Cordilleras despite the peaceful bid for autonomy unlike in Mindanao.
"Because of the reason, which is ironic na tayo very peaceful, mapayapa yung ating means para makamtan itong autonomy kaya hindi na praprioritize hindi nabibigyan ng pansin unlike sa Mindanao," Baguilat said.
The Ifugao solon added unlike Cordillera, the Bangsamoro law will remain a peace issue.
"The Bangsamoro Autonomy is part of the peace talks in Mindanao that the government are now doing with the muslim rebels. Sa tingin ko sana matingkad ang posisyon ng Cordillerans na Cordillera should stand alone as a region," Baguilat said.
Baguilat added his fellow Cordilleran representatives have been pushing for Cordillera autonomy in the Congress but other members seem passive on their campaign.
Despite of not being prioritized in the Congress, Baguilat assured they will continue pushing for autonomy.