The island of Mindanao. Photo grabbed from the South Seas Mall website.
Even as the leading candidates trade barbs on a personal level, other candidates are trying to raise the level of political debate.
One of them, Bangon Pilipinas presidential candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva, showed political daring by signing a covenant with Muslim leaders in Mindanao where he expressed support for federalism as “a final and permanent solution” to the armed conflict in Southern Philippines.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) spokesperson Eid Kabalu was reported to be a witness at the signing of Villanueva’s covenant on Mindanao.
Among others, Villanueva’s covenant pledged to:
call for a Constitutional Convention to submit, propose and support the adoption of the federal form of government as a final and permanent solution to the pursuit of peace and progress in Mindanao
Villanueva also said that he will pursue the autonomy of the region “giving its right to self-determination within the framework of the Constitution.”
What do you think? Is federalism a viable solution to Mindanao’s challenges and problems? Are presidential candidates giving attention to issues important to you?