‘Duterte, Alvarez may be liable for sedition’

MANILA, Philippines — Pronouncements of former president Rodrigo Duterte and former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for Mindanao to “secede” from the country make them liable for sedition, politicians in Camiguin province declared.

Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo and his son Gov. Xavier Jesus or XJ warned that the statements made by Duterte and the Davao del Norte first district congressman could result in an indictment for sedition.

Sedition, a non-bailable offense under Philippine laws, is an act – either in writing or verbally broadcast nationwide – of inciting people (using burned flags, among other incendiary acts) to rebel against a duly constituted authority or government.

“The proposal and subsequent actions by Duterte and Alvarez are seditious insofar as it calls for the separation of Mindanao from the Philippine Republic in violation of the 1987 Constitution,” the Romualdos warned.

“The Charter explicitly protects the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines, prohibiting any form of secession or division,” they said in a joint statement, adding the island-province of Camiguin in Northern Mindanao is “vehemently opposed to dividing the nation.”

XJ said Duterte and Alvarez “should thus answer for their complaints about the state of Mindanao.”

“If things are as bad as they say, why is it that way when you ruled the country for six years? What were you doing when you were at the helm?”

Governor Romualdo added that it is clear that Duterte and Alvarez are “engaging in dangerous antics and stunts to distract and divide the nation for their own interests.”

“Whether it’s his fear of possible prosecution by the International Criminal Court, or to be politically relevant again, or whatever his reason is, the former president is toying with dangerous proposals for selfish interests and self-preservation,” the younger Romualdo remarked.

As this developed, the older Romualdo urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to “investigate and – should the evidence warrant – initiate expulsion proceedings against Alvarez for his role in advocating for Mindanao secession.”

“Lawmakers and ordinary Mindanaoans are gravely concerned over the potential implications of such separatist movements on national unity and stability. The secession proposal has far-reaching effects on the values of sovereignty, unity, and rule of law in the Philippines,” he reiterated.

“It took many decades and countless lives lost before Mindanao experienced relative peace. Now that it’s on the road to prosperity, it’s frustrating that people like Duterte and Alvarez are willing to throw all that sacrifice in the name of self-preservation,” Rep. Romualdo stressed.

Meanwhile, four governors under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao dropped calls for Mindanao to secede from the Philippines and expressed their full support to the administration of President Marcos.

Governors Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman of Basilan, Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur and Abdulraof Macacua of Lanao del Norte stood firm that the Bangsamoro people will celebrate their identity “as an integral part of the Philippine Republic,” according to the statement signed Friday.

“His (Marcos) consistent and substantial policy statements and programs have installed a sense of stability since assuming office,” the governors said, adding that his Bagong Pilipinas program is a testament to his steadfast commitment to ensuring that the government’s presence is felt through the effective delivery of services to the people and communities. — Roel Pareño