“The present administration endorses constitutional amendment and considers that to be an answer to what has been a long time issue on the Moro people and lasting peace in Mindanao. The administration believes that doing so will finally address the MILF’s claim on the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), a power for them to collect taxes and income from their own state and benefit from the same. The said amendment is through federalism, which means ” a state within a state”. This for them is an answer to poverty in conflicted areas in the Mindanao Region.

However, oppositions of the administration and other militant groups strongly object and protest the proposed act saying that the Arroyo administration is just using the Bangsamoro People’s ultimate cause to lengthen her political power in the country. As the CBCP head, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, states that it is “devious” of the plan to prolong Ms. Arroyo’s power and fears that this believed to be a solution might be a wrong solution and could even worsen the problem. As a layman and as a concerned citizen of this sovereign country, I say that whatever it is that our leaders be planning and be deciding on, there should be proper information and consultation with the people in order to avoid complications and that our right to know on national issues and matters will not be violated. Furthermore, leaders and lawmakers of this country should deal with utmost transparency and delicadeza.”
“On Charter Change” was originally posted by Jade Mae @ www.globalbusinesspoint.net on Aug. 15 ‘08.