Mindanao pols favor Cha-cha

MALAYBALAY CITY — More than 600 local chief executives and legislators from across Mindanao have called on President Arroyo to immediately amend the 1987 Constitution as they expressed their desire for a change in the system of governance on the island.

"The time has come for us to decide the fate of Mindanao," said Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri at the start of the first-ever summit of Mindanao political leaders here last Thursday.

"We have waited too long. The President must know what Mindanao is saying," added Zubiri, who chaired the summit.

Earlier this month, the confederation of Mindanao governors and city and municipal mayors met in Davao City and expressed their support for President Arroyo.

In Thursday’s summit, they passed a resolution reiterating their support for Mrs. Arroyo and urging her to include the immediate amendment to the Charter in her State of the Nation Address today.

At least three resource speakers presented different options for Mindanao governance. Former congressman, now Camiguin Gov. Pedro Romualdo batted for a constituent assembly for Charter change (Cha-cha) and a parliamentary form of government.

Jose Abueva, former University of the Philippines president, talked about a federal-parliamentary system, while Pantaleon Alvarez, former transportation and communications secretary, spoke about an "Independent Federal Republic of Mindanao."