MNLF REVIVES CALL FOR FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVT

ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has revived its call for a tripartite federal system of government and called on Filipino leaders to prioritize the well-being of the people.

“We are facing challenging times yet again, brought about by the unjust and unbalanced political system that is the source of every political reformist’s cry for change,” said Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari, MNLF vice chairman.

“It is an indication that an immediate political reform is a must. However, we urge all our local, regional and national leaders to prioritize the well-being of their constituencies in whatever critical decisions they may make,” he added.

Misuari is the eldest son of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, a key political ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is calling for the separation of Mindanao from the rest of the country.

“We advocate for the tripartite egalitarian parliamentary federal system of government with equal representation for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as envisioned by my father, Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari,” said the young Misuari.

“We see it as a just political system, equitable, and promotes an inclusive balance of power where no state is above the other.”Misuari, who is also the deputy speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, added that the federal system would pave the way for unity, stability and everlasting peace in the country.

“We aspire that as one nation, we can unite to reform our political system through democratic and peaceful means and leave a legacy that will echo for generations to come. Let us make our country a great nation that can withstand global challenges and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with advanced countries,” he said.

Misuari said while they are advocating for federalism, the MNLF supports positive and systemic changes, stressing that progress is at the core of any developed civilization.

“It is imperative that we adhere to the principles of unity, solidarity, peace, and democratic exercise in reflecting the true wishes of the people of this sovereign nation,” he said.

Misuari also lauded Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for their policies and reforms that benefited the people.

He said under the Duterte administration, “we experienced six years of relative stability and peace, despite the many challenges that rocked the nation: the Covid-19 pandemic, Marawi siege, and keeping external and internal threats at bay.””We are grateful for the steady hand that helped us through hard times, and clear decisiveness on policies that directed us throughout Tatay Digong’s term,” he said.

As for Marcos, Misuari said the President has shown his commitment to the Filipino people and has worked hard to keep the peace, especially in the Bangsamoro region.

Marcos transformed his campaign that centered on unity and solidarity into policies that paved the way to a smooth transition of powers and functions that worked favorably towards an expanded scope of good governance and renewed hope in the people of the Bangsamoro region, according to Misuari.

“We believe that our President has the political will to push for reforms that would usher in a new era of positive change and progress that the nation has yet to experience,” said Misuari.

“We believe that the President has the dedication to bring about necessary economic, foreign and domestic policies that would strategically place the Philippines at an advantage the world over. And we believe that our nation is on the right course towards a unified, stronger, and more stable period of growth and emerging power,” he added.