Mindanao statement sounds out of context

IT can seem odd how the suggestion that Mindanao might be better off separating from the rest of the Philippines has gained traction. Former president Rodrigo Duterte, notorious for making outlandish statements, floated the idea. His penchant for shocking people made him difficult to cover for journalists. They were used to heads of state who can be taken literally, without the need for adding context.

In this case, Mr. Dutere’s statements should be paired with his stand against amending the Q987 Constitution. He, along with most Filipinos, was particularly critical of the so-called people’s initiative to gather signatures from those calling for Charter change.

Senators are now investigating alleged corruption linked to that campaign after reports of bribes paid for peoples’ signatures. Some senators also accused House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of leading that signature campaign. Because of that, people have come to suspect that the signature drive was not actually about amending the economic provisions that repel foreign investors but for some other political agenda. Mr. Romualdez denies that, of course, even as his allies fend off the Senate probe into the alleged signature buying.

With his characteristic, invective-laden speaking style, Mr. Duterte slammed the lawmakers reportedly behind the signature drive. Although some fear that he may have been at least somewhat serious about Mindanao separating from the rest of the country, no one can deny that the former president was frustrated about recent political developments. He was particularly irked by the mixed signals about the current administration’s position on cooperating with the International Criminal Court, which is looking into alleged human rights violations perpetrated during the previous administration’s war on illegal drugs.

The bigger picture here, as others have said, may be all about politics. After all, Mr. Duterte’s daughter is incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte, Mr. Romualdez’s likely rival in the 2028 presidential race.

While no one should take the Mindanao statement seriously, Mr. Duterte has clearly touched a nerve among some people. He also underscores the point made in this space that Charter change is not the best or only way to attract more foreign direct investments into the Philippines.

Recently, Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that amending the Constitution would be useless if corruption remained rampant and red tape persisted despite laws passed against it. He explained that those factors add to the costs of doing business in the Philippines. And obviously, investors prefer countries where costs are lower so that the returns on their investments can be higher.

While he acknowledged that the Constitution should have some flexibility to conform to changing times, Mr. Angara warned of shifting policies. He added that investors, for instance, do not want to be surprised by unforeseen costs, such as those attributed to graft, and that entrepreneurs value predictability in the rules they are made to follow.

Some of the popular investment destinations in Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, have investment policies that date back several decades. That makes up for their restrictive investment policies, such as the prohibition of foreign land ownership that the proponents of Charter change here want to be lifted.

Stronger together

Understandably, the government must take the suggestion of secession seriously, especially if it comes from a popular figure like the former president. Officials understand that while most Filipinos likely brush off the rhetoric as political theater, foreign investors and others may form a negative impression of the Philippines.

Then again, reacting to statements about separation may inadvertently give substance to mere rants. People against Charter change do argue that it is a “divisive” issue, but not like how Mr. Duterte suggests.

For sure, Filipinos, including Mr. Duterte and others in Mindanao, believe that the country is stronger together. And if united, there is no goal too high for the Philippines to reach.

Toxic politics, however, is again weighing down the country. People want their leaders to focus on various measures that can dramatically improve the investment climate that does not require tinkering with the Constitution. That is the message that should come across to everyone rather than the preposterous idea of an independent Mindanao.