By Anthony A. Araos
The Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) Cordillera Administrative Region just issued a resolution where officers and members pointed out that as far as they are concerned, there is a need for President Marcos to certify as urgent House Bill 6981, entitled “An Act establishing the Cordillera Autonomous Region,” as well as urging the two chambers of Congress to speed up the passage of the Organic Act establishing the CAR, and now it is, time for the Chief Executive to do his part.
They argued that “the Cordillera autonomy quest” has remained a continuing and legitimate regional aspiration for more than three decades, grounded on constitutional design, historical struggle, democratic consultation and repeated legislative actions.
Along with vice chairman BM Chris Donaal of Kalinga, chairman BM Hector Reuel Pascua of Apayao facilitated this action during the chapter’s first and second quarter regional general assembly at Newtown Hotel in Baguio City with the same sense of urgency that they had in gathering and moving as one in a crucial time in history. Indeed a giant step forward!
Ifugao Board Member Peter Bunnag of Alfonso Lista strongly sounded his support for said action. BM Pedro Mayam-o of Hingyon, a lawyer like Donaal, also batted for the resolution’s approval. Four other colleagues of these two articulate legislators took a similar position.
CAR needs more visionary and well-meaning leaders like board members Pascua and Donaal. Doing so will provide much needed push for good governance. It will surely boost the people’s morale. It will be an undeniable win for Young Turks and a symbol of the rise of promising public servants whose hearts are burning with passion to serve faithfully and dutifully well at all times. This badge of sanity is politically necessary given the bad image of traditional politicians or “trapos.”
I spoke at the gathering, albeit short and I’m not a BM, and reminded them on the need to get the attention of PBBM for him to make such declaration at the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on July 26. Telling them further that, in recent past Palace chiefs never even mentioned the word “Cordillera” in their SONAs.
Recognize the realities on the ground. PBBM has clearly the numbers when it comes to realizing the bills’ passage. Fact: All the House members of CAR voted in favor of the impeachment move. Why on earth is this compelling reason being missed by CAR board members?
Two parallel events recently afforded a chance to see all-out efforts to advance the Cordillera autonomy thought. The other at the Cordillera Day celebration program at the Benguet Sports Complex in La Trinidad. A manifesto of support was signed. Video apps showed messages of NEDA Secretary Balisacan, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Gatchalian, Senate President Gatchalian and Senator Bam Aquino. If you’re eyeing the full backing of PBBM on this concern, where’s his video message? It is relatively easy to get one and can be presented there. **
