Presidential bets back creation of Cordillera autonomous region

MANILA, Philippines — At least five presidential candidates are in favor of creating an autonomous region in the Cordilleras, following the mandate laid down in the 1987 Constitution.

Surrogates of labor leader LLeody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Sens. Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao and Vice President Leni Robredo's representatives all say their principals are supportive of the passage of a law that will grant the Cordillera region autonomy.

Partido Lakas ng Masa chairperson Sonny Melencio, who represented their presidential bet De Guzman, cited their relationship with the now-defunct militant organization Cordillera People’s Liberation Army as proof that they have long been advocating for autonomy in the region.

Melencio, however, said there are issues with integrating former CPLA members into the security forces in the region, as stringent requirements prevent former rebels from joining.

“There are a lot of conditions. Their generals, their officers cannot become generals because they have no education, college education and there is an age limit. So we have to address that,” he said in Filipino.

Aksyon Demokratiko senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc said their presidential candidate, Domagoso, “deeply” understands the need for autonomy, having been a consultant in peace talks between the government and communist rebels.

“Isko Moreno was a peace panel member, so he has a deeply appreciative understanding of autonomy, which requires a mutual process,” Gutoc said in Filipino.

Sen. Koko Pimentel, who represented PDP-Laban presidential candidate Pacquiao, said that since pushing for federalism is a core advocacy of their party, they are naturally in favor of autonomy for the Cordilleras.

“We know that it (federalism) is a destination. There are some steps you need to take before you reach your destination. So local autonomy, autonomous regions and federalism,” Pimentel said.

Lacson and Robredo’s representatives said they also support autonomy for the Cordilleras, but stressed that calls for autonomy must originate from the people of the region.

“Senator Ping Lacson said he would let the people of the Cordillera Administrative Region decide on whether it should receive greater autonomy,” Nationalist People’s Coalition senatorial candidate and former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said of Partido Reporma standard bearer Lacson.

Liberal Party senatorial candidate and former Rep. Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao) quoted independent presidential bet Robredo as saying, “The drive to establish a Cordillera Autonomous Region must come directly from Cordillerans.”

“It’s about time that we have some self-introspection in the Cordilleras. And if we truly believe in the autonomous region, definitely Leni Robredo will provide the political will to ensure that this region or this law is passed,” Baguilat said.

There have been two failed attempts to institute autonomy for the Cordilleras in 1997 and 1998, when laws were passed for this, but failed to garner a majority vote in plebiscites.

Article X, Section 15 of the Constitution mandates the creation of autonomous regions in the Cordilleras and Muslim Mindanao. So far, only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has been created.