Prior to this column’s publication, a good number of Mindanaoan in the predominantly Muslim regions would have voted to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law on Monday, the first day of the plebiscite in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Isabela City in Basilan and Cotabato City.
The same result is expected on the second day of the BOL plebiscite, set for February 6 in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and contiguous areas.
Finally, this historic event comes to pass under President Duterte—and not because he is from Mindanao. His leadership is simply determined to bring about genuine change to uplift the quality of life in this country.
It’s understandable that we supporters want to give due credit to Manong Digong for working the Legislature to push the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that eventually became the BOL. The President also went out of his way to campaign for its ratification.
But the enactment of the BOL and its overwhelming ratification is not about President Duterte.
Manong Duterte simply did his job, to do what is right and what has been long overdue for Mindanao.
The BOL is the dream that generations in Muslim Mindanao have been struggling for over a bloody, decades-old strife.
Neither it is about the previous tenant of Malacañang, who bungled the effort and almost cost Mindanao the attainment of lasting peace. Good thing he is out of office now.
Another fellow in self-exile in the Netherlands is running his mouth to undermine the Mindanaoans’ exercise of their constitutional right to self-determination.
Jose Maria Sison, who runs the country’s communist fronts by remote control, belittles the BOL initiative as mere invitation to a “bigger armed conflict.” He claims there are Muslim groups opposed to it.
Of course, Sison is entitled to his own opinion as everyone is, whether pro or anti-BOL. It’s something to debate on the negotiating table.
But, just like the Islamic State terrorist movement, Sison would outright instigate armed conflict and confrontation between and among our brother Filipinos in Mindanao.
He is opposed to the attainment of enduring peace, the promise of Mindanao that is now within our reach.
He fails to recognize that what's good for Mindanao is also good for the whole Filipino nation.