Cordillera congressmen bare stand on regional autonomy

By Marlo Lubguban

BAGUIO CITY – Cordillera congressmen recently bared their stand on the region’s thrust to attain autonomy.

While no one doubted the constitutional basis of the pursuit for Cordillera autonomy, several congressmen gave their “honest take” and strategy on how to approach the advocacy.

The following were statements made by some of the winning congressional representatives:
Returning Apayao Rep. Elias Bulut, Jr., in an interview with Philippine Information Agency-Cordillera, urged reassessment of the basis for autonomy pursuit in relation to current context of Cordillera.

He recalled the sacrifices made by many Cordillerans such as Fr. Conrado Balweg who fought for Cordilleran identity.

He said while recognition of the Cordilleran is still the primary reason for pursuing autonomy, he said it was borne out of the frustration with the national government which is not the case in the present.

Bulut said in the present day, what is more relevant to Cordillerans and the national government is the need for development in the region.

He said this should be the primary factor for pursuing Cordillera autonomy.
Incoming Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr. said there was need to enhance Cordilleran identity.

He cited need to better educate the Cordillera people on the pros and cons of autonomy and have them decide on whether or not to have an autonomous regional government.

He said he has no issue with the current administration’s push for a federal form of government but agrees with the Regional Development Council’s position of pursuing autonomy first towards federalism to ensure that the Cordillera as a region and people will stay intact regardless of national decisions.

Re-elected Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang said in a radio interview, “Cordillera autonomy is our battle cry. The Constitution states there shall be autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera".

He committed to refile the bill saying he is united with other elected Cordillera congressional representatives in pursuing Cordillera autonomy.
A week after his win, reelected Baguio City Rep. Mark Go met with the drafting committee in charge of reviewing House Bill 5343, the proposed Cordillera Organic Act filed in the 17th Congress.

He expressed his desire to be more involved in the drafting of the bill and in the conduct of consultations among Cordillerans for their comments and suggestions on the autonomy bill.

The RDC and National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera through Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) Program earlier partnered with media groups and organizations during the election period to discuss Cordillera autonomy.