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Mindanao ravages any hope of unity we have left

Fostering disunity will be the cause of ruin in the Philippines.

In a speech at Constitution Day event in Makati, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
said that the calls for Mindanao secession are ‘doomed to fail’ as the current leaders of
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as well as the
Bangsamoro government are not in favor of the former President Rodrigo Duterte’s
proposal.
Mindanao is rich in natural resources; much like Singapore, Mindanao can
prosper with the help of good governance. However, the Philippines’ integrity will be
questioned, as its foundation is based on regional unity. Shall Mindanao depart, various
resources and ties we have with Mindanao will b severed, possibly impacting the
economy and culture associated with the place.
Duterte mulled the idea of Mindanao separating through a People’s Initiative (PI),
but according to Rep. Raoul Manuel of the Kabataan Partylist, this proposition might
only be a scapegoat for Duterte to dodge a possible prosecution from the Internation
Criminal Court (ICC).
“The Dutertes want to turn Mindanao into an escape bunker at times when they
are being hunted by the ICC when investigations progress and they are convicted of their
crime against the Filipinos.” Manuel stated. In times of crisis, the former Presidents’
lineage can use Mindanao as an easy way out of problems, quickly fleeing to the
seceded region.
We Filipinos should oppose this secession. The ability to access Mindanao will b
significantly more difficult. Taking the region out of the question is much like ripping out
one of the chambers from your heart. For millennia, the Philippines has been
susceptible to life-threatening disasters that would have destroyed the Philippines as a
whole, yet we stood united.
A secession is not the cause of our inability to grow. Stay united, we Filipinos will
rise from the ashes one of these days.
 Cutting of 4PS fund: for a better cause

Government funds are just like Lego pieces. Each time the funds get spent or
allocated; a brick gets laid in order to build a magnificent building.
Three house representatives complained about Sen. Imee Marcos’ habit of
slashing the funds of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PS), but what if I tell
you that cutting them can actually save as many Filipinos the 4PS supports, if not more?
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. suggested that the funds can be distributed to
other programs that provide aid to a larger audience. In addition to helping the
underprivileged, it can also help ordinary citizens who are down on their luck. Though
their financial problems are not as prominent as those who are enlisted in 4PS, it can
assist those who are struggling or are on the verge of poverty.
With the dissolution of the 4PS fund to other programs, they may provide unique
opportunities that 4PS members would not attain otherwise. Opportunities such as job
offers, food banks, and temporary housing can act as temporary solutions until a person
gets back up on their feet.
Bigger budgets mean the implementation of more programs. Projects that help
up physically, mentally, and even economically can provide an environment for Filipinos
to grow and prosper. This entails that there are countless possibilities wherein we can
benefit from them.
Allocation of government funds to other programs can pose a threat to poor
Filipinos as well. Abolishing the budget for the 4PS program can lead to millions if not
hundreds of millions to suffer by the hands of the Marcoses yet again. Some Filipinos
rely on the program, while some depend on it as their lifeline.
No doubt about it, cutting the funds for the 4PS is a double entendre. On one
hand, more programs can aid the majority of Filipinos, while on the other hand, millions
of impoverished will suffer by having their only lifeline stripped away from them.
Much like a double-edged sword, either option have their own effect. All we can
do is hope that in the removal of the 4PS fund, a more fruitful cause will rise from the
ashes of the program.
 Fighting with tranquility: Ph defends WPH with peace

Legendary Chinese General Sun Tzu once said that the greatest victory is that
which requires no battle.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought up the issue of the South China Sea
before Viet Nam, Tuesday, pointing out the country’s sovereign rights over the West
Philippine Sea. Marcos stated that the Philippine government will continue defending
the WPS through peaceful discussions and consultations with claimants, including China.
Marcos reiterated that the Philippines’ stand in the WPS remains consistent and
firmly anchored. The chief executive recalled his visit to China in 2023, reaffirming with
Chinese President Xi Jinping that maritime issues should not define the relations
between the two nations.
“We are committed to work in partnership with like-minded states. Our support
for ASEAN centrality as the foremost regional framework and architecture for peace,
stability, and prosperity remains steadfast.” Marcos claimed. A peaceful partnership
without discord is the main goal of the Philippines, forming connections without the
worry of controversy.
The Philippines considers both the US and China as key actors in protection our
peace and security, as well in promoting economic growth and development in the
ASEAN region. As such, the Philippines aspires to pursue military cooperation with the
US to strengthen their capabilities as a whole.
Though the Philippines seeks peace with China, China on the other hand continue
their illegal activities, committing various felonies against Philippine vessels. It is unclear
as to whether or not China is in unison with the Philippines’ attempt at peace.
Instead of fighting for the body of waters’ rights, the two countries should work
together in enhancing their interoperability, cooperation, and unity as united and
partially allied nations, despite their dispute.
 Paradigm shift, the band-aid for our wrong decision

For years, the Philippines tried to make amends with China, but to no avail.
Suppose the Philippines is the lantern of light, while China is the darkness trying to
engulf what light we have left.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is eyeing a paradigm shift as the traditional
means of diplomacy is continuously being disregarded by China. For years, the
Philippines has appealed to China in order to resolve their issue over the West Philippine
Sea.
“We have to do something what we have not done before. We have to come up
with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea.” President Marcos elaborated. With
little to no progress, a shift in how the Philippines will handle their dispute with China is
the best course of action.
Marcos claimed that their disagreement should not come to the point where
there are incidents that might cause harm and trigger violent conflicts. In order to
decrease tension in the WPS, President Marcos highlighted that the Philippines will
continue talking to its partners and ‘to the rest of the world.’
Filipino fishermen are already highly affected in the two countries’ dispute. Not to
mention, Philippine naval vessels were water cannoned by Chinese naval vessels during
their resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. This could have rerouted the navies trajectory in
their mission, severely harming the soldiers and possibly threatening their lives. Marcos
emphasized that we have to move quickly in dealing with China, as it poses as a threat to
the Filipino fishermens’ sustenance.
Philippines will continue building allies in order to dissolve the problem with
China. Marcos stated that building relations is a good example of evolution. Marcos also
stressed that forging strong allies will continue the development of peace and harmony.
Emerging from our dispute is our utmost priority. With countless ways of trying to
make peace with China, it is clear that change is needed after various attempts of
resolution have gone to waste.
China has made it clear that they have no plans of giving up on the South China
Sea. They will continue to pursue the sea even after the Philippines joins forces with
other nations.
 Only time will tell on whether who wins the rights over the body of waters. From
this point onward, it will only get tougher as this simple disagreement will devolve into a
battle of wits.