Cordillera solons revive autonomy bill

March 25, 2017 Metro BLISTT

Rep. Mark Go together with other Cordillera lawmakers filed HB 5343 – An Act to Establish an Autonomous Region of the Cordillera (ARC).
The said House Bill was jointly filed by Representatives Mark O. Go (Baguio City), Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr. (Ifugao), Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang (Apayao), Joseph Sto. Nino V. Bernos (Abra), Ronald M. Cosalan (Benguet), Maximo B. Dalog (Mountain Province) and Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang (Kalinga).
This is in consonance with Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution that mandates the regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras, as territorial and political subdivision, to enjoy local autonomy.
According to the solons, Cordillera autonomy is seen as the most effective option to provide the region with the needed solid foundation to pursue sustainable development as the region hopes to benefit from the management and use of its natural resources.
The rationale of the proposed measure is to establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the cause of the Cordillerans and to secure their identity and posterity allowing for a meaningful self-governance.
“Cordillera autonomy will bring to national attention the benefit of accepting and promoting cultural diversity through the formulation of multi-cultural policies for Cordillerans,” the lawmakers explained.
The revived autonomy bill, once enacted into law shall be subject to the ratification of the residents in a plebiscite covering the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and the chartered City of Baguio. Provinces or cities voting unfavorably for the Organic Act shall remain within their current region.
“It is a manifestation that regional autonomy is no longer just a lifelong dream but a vigorous desire,” the solons stressed.
The Cordillera Administrative Region was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 220 under the administration of Pres. Corazon Aquino with the authority to administer the affairs of the government in the region and to prepare for the establishment of the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.
“This intended piece of legislation is long overdue. I am optimistic that the enactment of this bill will ensure the region’s economic growth resulting in the improved quality of life of the Cordillerans,” Rep. Go said. PR / ABN