President Duterte dispelled speculations by some sectors that he is up to declare Martial Law in the country, saying that military rule will not contribute to the current efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos.
The President, who graced the 3rd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Local Government Summit at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Thursday, December 1, said declaration of Martial Law will not improve the lives of the Filipino people.
The event, which carried the theme: “Pagkamulat … Pagbabago! Pag-unlad”, was joined by top officials of ARMM including leaders of local government units in the area.
“Martial Law for what?” the President stressed, adding that killing people will not bring in good to the country, as he hit the conjectures raised by other sectors, particularly in Manila on the issue.
The President said speculators thought he would declare military rule every time he would express anger over issues that greatly affect the lives of the Filipino people.
Thoughts of the declaration of Martial Law are being spread by some sectors, particularly those who stood critical over the administration of President Duterte.
The recent move of the Philippine National Police (PNP) placing the entire country under terror alert level 3 was also viewed by the President’s critics as a prelude to the declaration of Martial Law.
The PNP said on Thursday that terror alert level 3 was meant to impose stricter security measures following the arrest of two suspects involved in the foiled bomb attack in Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Monday.
Malacanang, in a separate statement, also dismissed the fears that other sectors spread over the terror alert level 3, saying that the measure is consistent with the state of national emergency or the declaration of state of lawlessness declared by President Duterte last September following the deadly blast in Davao City.
“Martial Law? Kalokohan yan,” the President pointed out, adding that he is not building a country over the bones of the Muslims and Christians.
Federalism the only acceptable set-up for Mindanao
President Duterte also told the participants to the summit that federalism is the only structured and acceptable system of government that will lead the country, especially Mindanao into lasting peace and development.
The President said efforts to divide Mindanao and its people are products of decades of displaced priorities and concerns and the lack of cohesiveness between the Moro people and the central government in the country.
He added that the only option seen today is federalism and that he is asking leaders of Congress to go on and hasten their moves to commence the shift to said system of government.
The President however admitted that certain preparations must be done, particularly in the grassroots levels to prepare the people to the proposed shift and to ensure that the new system is acceptable to all sectors.
Among the priorities that he would push through prior to the shift to federalism is the massive distribution of lands especially to the ordinary Moro residents in Mindanao.
