DOJ rejects Duterte’s idea of independent Mindanao
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has rejected the proposal of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao.
In a statement released on Monday, the DOJ stated that the call for secession goes against the principles of a democratic society as outlined in the 1987 Constitution.
“The Department of Justice vehemently opposes calls for the secession of Mindanao or other parts of the country and stands firmly against any attempts to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the Constitution,” the DOJ said.
The DOJ emphasized its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and upholding the highest law of the land.
DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano stated that the justice department can only comment on the matter if there is a pending issue endorsed to the agency.
The proposal to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines was put forward by Duterte on January 31, with claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was behind the campaign to change the Constitution. The proposal has been met with opposition from various government officials and agencies, as well as the Bangsamoro government and some governors of Mindanao.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro both rejected Duterte’s secession call, emphasizing the government’s commitment to securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory.
The rejection of Duterte’s proposal also came from Carlito Galvez Jr., the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, who urged Filipinos to reject any movement calling for an independent Mindanao to separate from the Philippines.
Various governors of Mindanao, as well as the Bangsamoro government, also opposed the secession call, emphasizing the need to resolve Mindanao’s concerns without pursuing secession.
The rejection of Duterte’s proposal reflects the sentiment of various government officials and agencies, as they emphasize the importance of maintaining the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines.
