Cordillera also wants autonomy

Photo by Robert Viñas / PCOO

MANILA — The proposed formation of the Bangsamoro entity in Muslim Mindanao has paved the way for other regions to consider autonomy, according to a representative from Isabela.

“I have received reports that the Cordillera Administrative Region is seriously studying the legality of asking for full autonomy from the central government once the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is passed,” according to Rep. Rodolfo Albano III.

He added, “We should not be surprised if indigenous people who have lived in the Cordillera region for centuries will be asking for full autonomy similar to what will be enjoyed soon by our Muslim brothers if the BBL is enacted.

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According to Albano, the creation of Bangsamoro entity will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Likewise, it will also serve as the model for all other regions.

The CAR is made up of six provinces which include Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. It is home to a number of indigenous tribes.

Albano noted that there are already legal questions against the formation of the BBL.

“I am confident that my colleagues in Congress will not allow the so-called ‘problematic’ provisions in the draft to get through without being subjected to thorough scrutiny and tedious debates,” he said.

He added that he already asked the 75-member special House committee to get the “best and brightest” legal minds to the hearings.