5 presidential candidates agree with creation of Cordillera autonomous region

MANILA, Philippines — Five of the presidential candidates agree in providing more autonomy for the Cordillera region, their representatives said on Wednesday.

Speaking during an online forum organized by Mindanao-based Institute for Autonomy and Governance, the representatives of five presidential bets said their respective candidates agree with the passage of Cordillera Autonomous Region.

Representatives of presidential candidates vice president Leni Robredo, Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, and labor leader Leody de Guzman answered in the affirmative when asked if their candidates would push for an autonomous region in Cordillera.

There is already a law which provides for the creation of an organic act for the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Igorot native Former Rep. Teddy Baguilat said that Robredo is “very much committed” for the creation of Cordillera Autonomous Region, saying the vice president has “political will” to make it a reality.

“The reasons for establishing Cordillera Administrative Region are the same with aspirations of our Muslims brothers and sisters and Lumads in Bangsamoro region: historical injustice, underdevelopment, and the uniqueness of the Cordillera region,” Baguilat said.

Baguilat also noted that Robredo said that there should be clamor from the people of Cordillera for the creation of an autonomous region.

Speaking on behalf of Domagoso, senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc said Domagoso also agrees with giving Cordillerans more autonomy, pointing out that the Manila mayor is part of the peace panel member between government talks with the National Democratic Front.

Sen. Koko Pimentel, representing Pacquiao, said they also support giving more autonomy to Cordillera, citing the constitution of PDP-Laban which believes in federalism.

“There are some steps that you need to take before you reach your destination: local autonomy, autonomous regions, and federalism,” Pimentel pointed out.

“All out support po kami, anyway this is a constitutional effort, because this is found in the constitution,” he added.

Senatorial candidate Manny Piñol, representing Lacson, said the senator supports “the fulfilment of the commitment of our government in the Cordillera region.”

“In an interview in December 2021, Senator Ping Lacson said he would let the people of the Cordillera Administrative Region decide on whether it should receive greater autonomy,” Piñol said.

Meanwhile, De Guzman’s campaign manager Sonny Melencio also said the labor leader agrees with the passage of a Cordillera Administrative Region, pointing out that De Guzman has a relationship with the now-defunct militant organization Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA).

“There are still issues even if the CPLA is gone… we have to address that,” Melencio said.

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