OZAMIZ CITY: Senator
Teofisto “TG” Guingona III said he is supporting moves to establish a “Mindanao
Commonwealth,” which will put into operation the erstwhile campaigns of federalism
in the island.
He said that the
Bangsamoro Basic Law has stirred up the hornet’s nest in calling for federalism
in Mindanao and the equitable use of the island's resources.
In explaining, he said that
both Lumad and Christian settlers are also entitled to the same rights as
stipulated in the BBL in sharing the resources of the Land of Promise.
Christians, he added
are entitled a 75 percent share of marine, agriculture and minerals resources while
the remaining percent will go to the national coffers.
Guingona said his
observation that the “too much concession” given by the national government to
the Bangsamoro might soon nudge proponents of federalism to openly push for it.
Federalism is a
proposed system of administration for the Philippines where there is equal power
distribution between the national and the local governments.
Guingona pointed out that
with federalism in Mindanao, there will be change in the image of power
especially on local governance.
He added that if the
government can guarantee a sharing system with the Bangsamoro then it has no reason
why it cannot grant the same special consideration to Mindanao.
Guingona said he will
file a bill proposing the Commonwealth of Mindanao by March next year.