OPPOSITION

"I strongly appeal to all concerned to stop this call for a separate Mindanao. It is a grave violation of
the Constitution,”-Pres. Marcos

1987 constitution, article 1: The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the
islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has
sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its
territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters
around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and
dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218552

Prospects for Mindanao independence are dim. Majority of Filipinos there, and certainly in Luzon and
the Visayas, will oppose dismemberment of the Republic.

But mere talk of secession can reignite hatreds. Tens of thousands of Moros, Lumad tribe folk, Ilaga
homesteaders, communist rebels and soldiers had died in 40 war years. Families are still hurting from
loss of loved ones, land, businesses, homes and hopes.

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/02/07/2331571/political-strife-mindanao-split-bolster-chinas-
treachery

Division at the national level and in Mindanao falls right into China’s agenda. Using Filipino political
lackeys, Beijing’s communist rulers can repeat history.

Resurgence of violence in Mindanao would mean reallotting already meager funds for refugees and
reconstruction. To think that Marawi City, razed by terrorists on Duterte’s 10th month in office, remained
un-rebuilt until he stepped down five years later.

Squabbling among Malacañang, the Senate and the House of Reps will weaken the center. A divided
government will be unable to stop Beijing’s island and offshore petroleum grabbing. Already, a China
state firm is cyber-sabotaging electronics of the Philippine Coast Guard, the information-communication
technology department and BBM’s website no less.

POLITICAL REASONS:

One of the most common reasons for separation is that Mindanao embodies a distinct identity and
culture that is different from the rest of the Philippines.

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/mindano-culture-a2212-20200313-lfrm

This is partially true because Mindanao has a diverse population, including indigenous peoples, Muslims,
Christians, and immigrants from other areas.
ASEAN Youth Organization

In any case, these differences are not the reason why Mindanao cannot coexist with other countries.

In fact, it can be a source of quality and luxury that should be admired and appreciated.

-Isolating Mindanao from the Philippines does not necessarily solve the problem of political
representation and cooperation.
Themedium

-untapped divisions and conflicts between the various groups within Mindanao.
The World Bank

For example, how do modern states decide their borders, capitals, structures, prestige, devotions,
money, laws, regulations, and settlers?

How do we negotiate with groups that are already equipped with motivations and requirements for
entitlement?

How do we ensure that every sector of society in the modern state has a voice and a stake?

Furthermore, isolating Mindanao from the Philippines would separate Mindanao from its local and
global partners and accomplices.
-It would lose the advantage of being part of a larger and more influential country that could protect its
interests and assert its rights in a global forum.

PROBLEMS if Mindanao were to become independent:

New Power: If Mindanao becomes independent, it’s unclear who will take power. The demographics
would be almost even between Christians and Muslims, which could lead to conflict.

Starting Over: Mindanao would need to establish global recognition and form new relationships with
other countries. Funding could be an issue, and there could be conflict over land use and the
displacement of indigenous people.

Law and Order: It’s uncertain what laws would be passed and whether they would be fair to all religious
groups. Differences in moral interpretations could lead to chaos.

Counter-arguments:

*Political Ideology

-Ph is a capitalist country, and moving away from that country while still having that capitalist mindset
will be the downfall of Mindanao/our country, the idea of the poor not existing, would only be if we
adapt a communist mindset

*Government hindering mindanao

-According to UP-Diliman, the system of government of the country is still highly centralized and unitary
as opposed to the federal system. So, it would be easy to take advantage of the vulnerable situation of
the people, thus making their situation and rise much harder.

A divided government will be unable to stop Beijing’s island and offshore petroleum grabbing. and
according to Reuters(2024), Already, a China state firm is cyber-sabotaging electronics of the Philippine
Coast Guard, the information-communication technology department and BBM’s website no less.

*Oil companies in ph are privately owned(not the country's fault the oil gets stolen)
-Since mindanao is heavily affected by poverty, it would be harder for the poeople to recover since their
way of trading (Export of goods and services) would most likely be negatively affected as they could be
subjected to rules that are hard to meet.

*Not enough help provided

According to pageon.ph(2024), The government has so far provided some PHP257.6 million worth of
assistance to areas in Mindanao affected by bad weather caused by the northeast monsoon or “amihan”
and the trough of a low pressure area early this month.