Speaker: Solons’ presence at gov’t fair means they junk Mindanao secession

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, assisted by Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax Ali Mangudadatu and 1st District Representative Princess Rihan Sakaluran, leads the distribution of Cash Assistance and Rice Distribution Program (CARD) to beneficiaries at Sultan Kudarat State University Access Campus in Tacurong city on Sunday morning.

MANILA, Philippines —The attendance of 45 Mindanao members of House of Representatives in Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Sultan Kudarat demonstrates “unity.”

It also indicates their “steadfast rejection” of the proposed separation of the south from the rest of the Philippines.

Speaker Martin Romualdez made the statements on Sunday.

“This remarkable turnout serves as a resounding testament to the unity and solidarity of Mindanao lawmakers,” he said.

“It sends a powerful message that despite our diverse backgrounds and regional differences, we stand together as one nation, united in our commitment to building a brighter future for all Filipinos,” he added.

Among the lawmakers present at the fair were Margarita Nograles, Christian Unabia, Bambi Emano, Lordan Suan, Toto Suansing, Yasser Balindong, Divina Yu, John Flores, Khymer Olaso, Aldu Dujali and Joboy Aquino.

Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Jr. and 4Ps Partylist Representatives JC Abalos also showed up.

Prior to this, 57 members of the House signed a manifesto opposing the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao.