Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent suggestion that Mindanao secede from the Philippines raises eyebrows and invites speculation about its origin and motive.
The statement, coming after his six-year tenure and decades of Duterte family rule in Davao City, appears surprising and possibly inconsistent with his previous stance on national unity. Didn’t he once say, “I am a Filipino, and I love my country?”
Questions arise about whether this proposal is a mere sleep-deprived rhetoric or a carefully calculated political move. The fact that the Dutertes’ influence is centered in Davao City, not representative of the entire Mindanao, adds complexity to the suggestion. Some may even wonder if Duterte mistakenly used “secession” instead of “succession,” hinting at a family dynasty scenario.
The timing also raises suspicions, as this idea surfaces after years in office. Is it a diversion from other issues or a strategic maneuver for future political developments?
As citizens grapple with this unexpected proposition, clarity on Duterte’s intentions and the potential consequences of such a proposal is crucial. Or does it even matter now?