MADALUM, Lanao del Sur—Leaders of this predominantly Muslim community gathered hundreds of men and women on Saturday to hear speakers talk on federalism and the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“Participants came all the way from Basilan and other towns around Lake Lanao. Our hopes for a BBL have a bigger chance now that the whole nation seems to support federalism,” said Lanao Del Sur Board Member Abdulhamid Amerbitor.
The forum organizers were professor Lominog Lao, Sultan Minupon Guru, and Amerbitor. They are known local organizers of MRRD-NECC, a group actively pursuing President Rodrigo Duterte’s agenda seeking a shift to a federal government customized to a Philippine setting.
“We thank our guest speakers, Undersecretary Virginia Orogo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Usec. Emily Padilla of the Department of Agrarian Reform, who came all the way from Metro Manila to join us today,” Amerbitor said.
Amerbitor also toured Orogo to the area badly damaged by a huge landslide during the onslaught of Typhoon “Vinta” on Dec. 22.
“In this spot in Madalum alone, 18 lives were taken, other spots like this in Balindong also have casualties,” Amerbitor added.
Meanwhile, in another forum on federalism in Lala, Lanao Del Norte on Sunday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Usec. Martin Diño awed barangay officials in his message.
“In Manila, there are so many bridges or flyovers even if there are no rivers, here in Mindanao there are so many rivers with no bridges,” Diño jested to illustrate the disparity of development under the current set-up of government, which drew applause and laughter from the audience.
“Barangay officials are the most powerful elected public servants, you have all the three powers of government – as a local chief executive, legislative power as the chairman of the barangay council, and judicial power as the head of the Lupong Tagapamayapa [local peacekeepers]. Let us not just allow ourselves to be errand boys of mayors and governors,” Diño said.
Diño also said he was able to talk to Sen. Koko Pimentel for the Senate to push the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials – a dream of the Senate President’s father, former senator Aquilino Pimentel.
The proposed law calls for the recognition and benefits of barangay civil servants, such as full scholarships for their children in state colleges and universities, free hospitalization when they get sick, and a decent compensation at par with other civil servants.
“I would like to appeal for your cooperation. You have been privileged enough to be extended again. This time, please cooperate by complying to our forthcoming official directive to report to us known drug pushers and criminals in your area,” Diño said.