Mayor pushes Cordillera autonomy despite barbs

BAGUIO CITY – Despite barbs from private sectors, mayor Mauricio Domogan last week appealed for support to the third and last attempt on establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region through the drafting of an organic act.

The priority would be to craft a working document to be submitted to the Cordillera congressmen, who would be responsible in filing the corresponding bill, the mayor said.

The organic act needs to be ratified by majority of Cordillerans, for the creation of the autonomous region.

There were two earlier republic acts; 6766 and 8438, crafted to create an autonomous region, which were rejected by Cordillerans in two occasions.

As to personalities who raised questions on the legalities of the creation of the Regional Development Council which the mayor heads, Domogan pointed them to the proper forum.

In an earlier assembly, there were queries on the legal personality of the RDC to create or appoint provincial bodies to contribute to the creation of the third organic act.

This cropped up as there were claims that only the Cordillera Executive Board, Cordillera Regional Assembly and Cordillera Bodong Administration has the authority to work for the approval of autonomy.

The mayor however said that the RDC creation went through the proper process, has the funding and is committed to work for the unification of all sectors, for autonomy.

The mayor also assuaged fears that the appointment of provincial representatives would be purely from the government.

As agreed upon, there would be equal chances for private and government personalities to be appointed as provincial representatives.

As to the principles behind the organic act to be crafted, Domogan cited permanent establishment of a regional identity; the power and authority to manage the region’s human and natural resources.

He said Cordillera provinces shall be together, and not one shall be “returned” to Regions I and II.
Adie from this, the region shall be allocated national and local budget to operate.

Subsidy shall be given amounting to P10 billion each year for the first five years and P5 billion per year for the next five years of which there would be proper distribution.