Bicol group backs MILF call for regional autonomy via Cha-cha
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The Bicol Autonomy Movement (BAM) has backed the call for a genuine and greater autonomy demanded by the Mindanao Islamic Liberation Front through constitutional change.
Dante Jimenez, BAM regional lead convenor, said in a press conference here Tuesday that the movement fully supports the stand of the MILF calling for a genuine and greater autonomy for Muslim Mindanao as they have made a similar move asking for greater autonomy.
Jimenez said calling for a regional autonomy would be facilitated through Charter change that would grant full authority to local government units to manage their own finances and resources.
Jimenez said that if the Charter change proposal fails, other initiatives could be done by way of congressional act or people’s initiative.
Similar to the dreams and aspiration of the Bangsamoro people, he said Bicolanos also wish to chart for themselves their own economic destiny given the bountiful resources of their region.
“Our objective is not to secede but simply to seek genuine governance and be freed from poverty that has held us in bondage because of graft and corruption, political patronage, inefficiency, political dynasties and other evils,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez claimed that the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera Autonomous Region system of governance could not be considered as genuine autonomy as they are still dependent on wherewithal from Malacañang.
Also, these autonomous regions might have administrative functions but they still answer to the central government that has authority over them, Jimenez said.
Under the proposed Bicol autonomy charter, regions would be granted full authority to manage their finances and to approve the exploration of its natural resources,” Jimenez said.
BAM believes that with greater autonomy and lesser reliance on the national government in Manila, the natural wealth in the region could be more effectively administered, utilized and distributed, Jimenez added.
