JUST CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!

Celebrating Christmas has become a tradition among Filipinos. This is the reason why Filipinos always survive Christmas. No matter what, amidst global economic difficulties, Filipinos always find time to celebrate it. Its significance is best felt when the celebration is made simple and meaningful. Anyway, as stated by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, "the first Christmas was simple and poor, it was wanting and bare." The true meaning of Christmas is simply LOVE.

Just Celebrate Christmas! Its magic never fails us. It makes us really happy.

MANNY PACQUIAO: PHILIPPINES' SAVING GRACE

Amidsts the victory of Filipino Boxer Manny Pacquiao over heavily favored World renowned boxer Oscar De La Hoya, the issue on corruption continues to hound the Philippines. No less than Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) stated that the observance of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a source of “shame and embarrassment” for Filipinos. In a statement issued, the prelate said “ we are ashame, and we hope it is not completely true that our country is said to be the most corrupt in Asia and the second most corrupt in the world. This is because of human rights violations in various degrees.”

The triumph of Manny Pacquiao reverses (at least for now) the international communities’ negative perception on the Philippines. The fact that a Filipino is a world boxing champion makes every Filipino proud of his race and nation. Pacquiao is now a source of hope and inspiration. He is now the country’s saving grace. As global recession is being gradually felt by all of us, something positive is being said about the Philppines because of Manny’s feat. If Filipinos were united in supporting Manny Paquiao’s fight against his Mexican-American opponent, much more should we remain solid in the fight against injustice, poverty and ignorance.

LET'S MAKE SCIENCE WORK FOR US

The idea of learning how to use renewable energy as a substitute to fossil fuel should be taken as a challenge in science fairs in the Philippine publc schools. Science should become a tool not only in addressing people's needs but also in protecting our environment. Only we can say that we make science work for us if we rise to this pressing call.

EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THE RIDING PUBLIC OF VIGAN: ONE PESO ROLLBACK OF TRICYCLE FARES

The City Council of Vigan recently approved a one(1) peso rollback of tricycle fares due to the continuous reduction of oil prices worldwide. The approval of Ordinance No. 18 Series of 2008 principally authored by the Committee Chairman on Transportation, Councilor Ever Molina gives the riding public a much needed relief from the spiralling costs of consumer products due to the global recession. Students who attended the public hearing clamored for a two-peso rollback but tricycle drivers and operators appealed that a half-way rate be arrived at in order for them to recover from the high cost of maintenance. The City Council unanimously approved the legislative measure on final reading. It's now only a matter of time before the rollback can be fully implemented

VIGAN ACCEPTS INVITATION OF BANGUED TO FORGE SISTERHOOD TIES

The City of Vigan accepted the invitation of Bangued, Abra to become its sister municipality by virtue of the approval of Resolution No. 48 Series of 2008 during the former’s regular session on November 3, 2008. Earlier, some members of the Sanggunian Bayan (Municipal Council) of Bangued led by its Lady Presiding Officer, Vice Mayor Betzaida B. Alzate personally presented Bangued’s Resolution No. 52 Series of 2008 to the City Council of Vigan last October 27, 2008. Vice Mayor Alzate appealed that Bangued be accepted as a sister municipality of Vigan for the very reason that both local government units share a common history being part then of the old Ylocos Province. Its illustrious sons served the Government of the Philippine Islands in the maiden session of the First Philippine Legislature with Don Vicente Singson Encarnacion of Vigan and Juan Villamor of Bangued representing the Province of Ilocos Sur. The signing of the sisterhood agreement is tentatively scheduled on January 22, 2009 at the Heritage City of Vigan.

VIGAN AWARDED AS MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY OF ILOCOS REGION

Vigan City Officials headed by Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina and Vice Mayor Franz Ranches, together with some department heads and NGO representatives and members of the Council for the Welfare of Children receive the Presidential Award for Most Child-friendly City of Region I (Ilocos Region). The City of Vigan has been the recipient of this award for three consecutive years now. It will represent Region I in the National Search for most child-friendly local government unit.

IS IT THE END OF THE AMERICAN ERA?

The United States of America has long been associated with POWER, both political and economic. More than a month away from its Presidental Election, a major financial crisis gripped this country whom many regarded as the "land of milk and honey". The unexpected bankcruptcy of Lehman Brothers, one of the biggest banks of the United States and the American Insurance Group AIG), a multi-national insurance firm started stock markets to crash. Despite efforts by the US government to bailout these firms, the downtrend of stocks has begun to be felt worldwide. Panic selling of stocks and bloodbath are all over Asia and Europe. The United States' economic crisis now becomes a global financial disaster.

The American Dream has became a nightmare and US global leadership took a dive. Why did this thing happen? The ready answer is greed. Bureaucrat Capitalism has taken its toll. Wall Street, New York's financial center took a mighty fall and brought markets around the world with it. America's credit culture, reckless borrowings and lendings led to brankcruptcy of major US financial institutions. Fearless confidence overcame the conservative approach in financial management. Due to eagerness to earn more, american investments are everywhere. Instead of creating more job opportunities for its people, reliance was made on cheap labor abroad in countries like Vietnam and China. Hence, the ordinary Americans' purchasing power was adversely affected leading to a financial crisis.

Is it the end of the American Era? Will there be a new economic power in this world? Bailout, which is too burdensome for the American taxpayers might not solve the problem. Reaching out to its affluent allies as an attempt to restore trust and confidence on the American financial system is not enough. The United States of America should consider re-inventing itelf.

FORUM AT ST. PAUL COLLEGE

Students of St. Paul College in a light moment with Vigan Legislators

For correctly answering a question in the Q and A portion of the Forum, this coed was a receipient of a Vigan City Council T-Shirt from Vice Mayor Franz Ranches.

The Faculty and Staff of St. Paul College headed by Sister Celine Santos, SPC pose for a souvenir shot with the members of the Vigan City Council.

Vigan legislators with winners of the Q and A portion of the Forum. Second from left to right, upper row, Councilors George Villanueva, Ever Molina, Boying Apelin, Loreto Quibilan and Audie Agdamag. Lower row, fourth from left, VM Franz Ranches.

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL CONDUCTS FORUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

The legislators of Vigan headed by Vice Mayor Franz Ranches with the particpants of the Forum on The Role of the City Council in Community Development

VM Ranches and Student Leaders from UNP High School


With Social Work Students of UNP


With Political Science students of UNP. On the left is Ruth Ann Arellano, my neighbor.

MAR ROXAS COMBATS GRAFT AND CORRUPTION THROUGH EDUCATION

Liberal Party President Mar Roxas combats Graft and Corruption through education. In a dialogue with Southwestern University graduate students and teachers, he said graft could be eliminated if there is transparency and if there are institutional limits against private monopolies and public officials'discretion. Senator Roxas’ advocacy is very much in line with the Liberal Party’s principle on good governance. Mar Roxas is the author of several pro-people landmark legislations such as the Cheaper Medicine Law, Exemption of Minimum Wage Earners from Income Tax, Magna Carta for Small Business, among others.

CITY COUNCIL LAUNCHES VIGAN CONSERVATION CODE

The Vigan Conservation Code was launched by the City Council last September25, 2008 at the Syquia Mansion. I can't help but wonder with awe what a beautiful place the mansion is. It was a perfect venue to conduct the book launch. The mansion became a source of inspiration in the conservation of Vigan's built heritage like the ancestral houses.

OBAMA'S ENERGY PLAN IS GLOBALLY BENEFICIAL

Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama’s “green platform” is not only beneficial to the United States but to Third World Countries, especially to oil-dependent nations like the Philippines. In his acceptance speech as Presidential Candidate during the Democratic Party’s Convention, Barack Obama lined up several programs and projects for the United States and the American people including a solid and realistic program on Energy. He mentioned, “xxx for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.

Washington's been talking about our oil addiction for the last thirty years, and John McCain has been there for twenty-six of them. In that time, he's said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Senator McCain took office.

Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. Not even close.

As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies retool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy; wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced. “

If Obama gets elected and makes good his promise to end oil dependency in ten (10) years, the world will become a better place to live in, economically and environmentally. The issue on global warming due to excessive use of fossil fuel like oil will be adressed. Non-Oil producing countries will rely more on renewable energy, ending their dependency on Oil producing nations. OPEC’s whims will be neutralized and energy will become affordable to everybody. With this situation, economies worldwide will grow and industrialization will become environmental-friendly.

The U.S. Presidential Election should go beyond the racial issue, civil rights, financial crisis and the American Dream; it has a moral obligation to respond to the issue on Energy considering that the United States consumes twenty five percent (25%) of the world’s oil reserves.

VIGAN LEGISLATORS' WEEK CELEBRATION (September 22-26, 2008)

The men and women of the Vigan City Council.

Vigan Legislators in a wacky pose with PCL-IS Executive Vice President, Santa Councilor Art Sabalburo (the one in red).

Vice Mayor Franz Ranches signs the Vigan Traffic and Transportation Code during a book launch on September 22, 2008.

Launching of the Vigan Transportation and Traffic Code attended by legislators, department heads, traffic aides and presidents of different tricycle operators and drivers association.

CERVICAL CANCER CAN BE PREVENTED THROUGH INFORMATION AND IMMUNIZATION

Advocates for the prevention of cervical cancer came to my office for a courtesy call and I was so enlighthened by their explanation that this type of cancer can be prevented through proper information and immunization. Although a little bit expensive, vaccines are now available to prevent cervical cancer, the cause of which is virus. The group called Brave Hearts was spearheaded by Former Miss Philippines Abigail Arenas-De Leon and Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, Head of the Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute. The group sponsored a lay forum and chose Vigan as the venue for the kick-off of the TOUR OF HOPE, a fun bike covering Vigan City, San Fernando, La Union, Urdaneta and Subic. The activity hopes to raise awareness on the preventon of cancer.

INAUGURATION OF BURIDEK CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

The Buridek Children's Museum was inaugurated on September 8, 2008 at the Fil-Spanish Friendship Park (Mira Hills) as part of the celebration of Solidarity Day.

DRAFT BILL CREATING THE METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL PRESENTED TO CONGRESSMAN RONALD SINGSON (1st District, Ilocos Sur) FOR SPONSORSHIP

AN ACT CREATING THE METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE


Section 1. The Metro Vigan Coordinating Council hereafter referred to as the Council is hereby created. The Council shall formulate, coordinate and monitor programs, projects, and activities for the acceleration of the economic and social growth and development of the City of Vigan, the Municipalities of Bantay, Caoayan, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santo Domingo and San Vicente, all of the Province of Ilocos Sur.

Section 2. The Council shall be composed of the following who shall convene themselves as the Executive Committee:

a. Mayor, City of Vigan
b. Mayor, Municipality of Bantay
c. Mayor, Municipality of Caoayan
d. Mayor, Municipality of Santa
e. Mayor, Municipality of Santa Catalina
f. Mayor, Municipality of Santo Domingo
g. Mayor, Municipality of San Vicente
h. One representative from the group of Vice Mayors of the member local government units (LGUs)
i. One representative from the group of Councilors of the member local government units (LGUs)

Section 3. The Council shall have a Chairman and other officers and staff whose appointment, functions, powers and responsibilities shall be determined by the Executive Committee through a resolution.

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall oversee the day-to-day operations of the Council. The composition, functions, and responsibilities of the Executive Committee shall be determined by the Council.

Section 5. The Council may call upon the Regional Office of NEDA in Region I to provide technical assistance.

Section 6. In the discharge of its functions, the Council shall ensure appropriate coordination with the Regional Development Council (RDC) I and other relevant local development councils.

Section 7. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and government financial institutions, are hereby directed to extend their full assistance to the Council in support of its programs, projects and activities.

Section 8. The Council shall be provided an initial budget for CY 2009 the amount of Five Million Pesos (Php 5,000,000.00) and from contribution of its members as may be determined by themselves.

Thereafter, the annual operating expenses of the Council shall be included in the General Appropriations after consultations with the Department of Budget and Management.

Section 9. This Act shall take effect immediately.

METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL FORMALLY LAUNCHED, MOA SIGNED

The Metro Vigan Coordinating Council was formally launched last September 8, 2008 at the Fil-Spansih Frienship Park (Mira Hills), Vigan City. Attended by Mayors Eva S. Medina (Vigan), Butch Tadena (Sto. Domingo), Sammy Parilla (Bantay), Mario Tugade (Caoayan), Carlos Asuncion (Sta. Catalina), Vice Mayors Nancy Tabanda, representing Mayor Jose Tabanda III(San Vicente), and Popoy Bueno, representing Mayor Jeremy Bueno (Santa); the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was finally signed in the presence of newly appointed Deputy National Security Adviser Luis "Chavit" Singson other officials, guests and the public in general.

VIGAN CELEBRATES SOLIDARITY DAY 2008

Mayor Eva Medina (3rd from Right) and Vice Mayor Franz Ranches (2nd from right) lead the Repazzo de Vigan during the celebration of Solidarity Day on September 8, 2008. Mayor Olive Pascual (3rd from Left) of Lal-lo, Cagayan joined the celebration.

Students of St.Paul College of Ilocos Sur perform a Chinese dance.

Barangay officials re-enact the Filipino resistance against American rule.

LAL-LO VISITS VIGAN

People of Vigan have so much to thank Lal-lo for. The transfer of the seat of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia due to frequent floodings in Cagayan by virtue of a Spanish Royal Decree dated September 7, 1758 signed by King Fernando VI, elevated the status of Vigan from a pueblo named Villa Ferandina de Vigan to a city called Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan. The visit was an opportunity to renew ties through he Re-affirmation of the Sisterhood Agreement betweeen Lallo and Vigan which was signed by the parties 5 years ago.

ACTIVITIES! ACTIVITIES!

A pose with the NBN-Ilocos Sur News and Public Affairs Team

City officials answer questions by the City Press Corps during the regular "Panakiuman -uman" (interaction with the media)

Distribution of loan proceeds to the officers of the City Agricuture and Fisheries Council. This a livelihood program of the City Government being implemented through an NGO, the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives.

" An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."

Kidney diseases prevention seminar for barangay officials, barangay health workers, teachers and the laymen was sponsored by the City Government through the initiative of the City Health Office.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE METRO VIGAN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA)

After several meetings and consultations conducted by Technical Working Group (TWG), the final draft of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is now ready for signing on September 8, 2008. The local governmenet units of VIGAN, BANTAY, CAOAYAN, SANTA, SANTA CATALINA, SAN VICENTE, and SANTO DOMINGO hereby group themselves into the METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL (MVCC).

Salient Points of the MOA:

The establishment of the MVCC Executive Committee hereinafter referred to as the Executive Committee, as the highest governing body, tasked to formulate, implement and monitor development plans for its members. It shall be composed of seven (7) Local Chief Executives (LCEs), one (1) representative from the group of Vice Mayors, and one (1) representative from the group of Councilors.

The MVCC Executive Committee shall be headed by a Chairman, who shall be chosen from among the Local Chief Executive members. He/She shall serve a term of one (1) year. The Chairman shall preside over the Council and shall automatically be the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

There shall be a Vice Chairman who shall be chosen from among the members of the Executive Committee. He/She shall serve a term of one (1) year. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall act as the temporary Chairman.

There shall be a Secretary who shall be appointed by the Chairman from among the members of the Executive Committee. He/She shall be responsible in taking the minutes of all the meetings of the Executive Committee and shall be the custodian of all records of the MVCC. The Secretary shall be co-terminus with the Chairman.

The remaining six (6) members shall automatically serve as the Board of Directors of the Executive Committee.

Upon the signing of this Memorandum of Agreement, an interim set of officers shall be chosen from among the members of the Executive Committee whose terms shall commence immediately and shall cease until the regular officers shall assume office in 2010.

There shall be a Technical Working Group (TWG), the members of which shall be designated by the LCEs of the participating LGUs based on equal representation. The TWG shall serve as the technical/advisory/recommendatory body of the Council. The Chairman may appoint additional member/s of the TWG as the need arises.

The Executive Committee, may from time to time, convene for the purpose of acting upon immediate concerns of the Council.

The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Chairman with the concurrence of the majority members of the Executive Committee. His/Her term shall be co-terminus with that of the Chairman.

The Executive Director shall oversee the operations of the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council and supervise the following three (3) particular units, namely: (1) Finance; (2) Services and (3) Administration.

Each of the heads of the three (3) units shall likewise be appointed/designated by the Chairman with the concurrence of the majority members of the Executive Committee. They shall hold office on a fixed term as may be determined by the Executive Committee.

All other employees as may be determined by the Executive Committee shall also be appointed/designated by the Chairman on a fixed term.

The establishment of a permanent official business address.

The participation in the identification, preparation, and implementation of joint programs, projects and activities of the Council under the following areas of cooperation:

1. Trade and Industry
2. Governance
3. Infrastructure
4. Environment
5. Peace and Order/ Public Safety
6. Tourism
7. Social Services (Health, Education, Transportation, Communication and Public Utilities, Sports and Youth Development)
8. Agriculture.

The extension of technical, financial, and other forms of assistance to each other to the extent allowed by the general welfare of their respective constituency involving the areas of cooperation identified herein.

The establishment of the Metro Vigan Coordinating Fund for the purpose of financing the programs, projects and activities of the Council which shall be sourced from the contributions of the parties the amount of which shall be determined by the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the sanggunian concerned and from such other sources as may hereinafter be availed of by the Council.

VIGAN'S ESKWELA DE LOS MATADEROS: Training ground for World Class butchers

Vigan’s Eskwela de los Mataderos continues to produce world class butchers. This is in line with the city’s vision to train its residents and other persons interested to acquire skills in order to become globally competitive. In cooperation with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) which provides scholarship grants to participants, the City Government of Vigan through the Eskwela de los Mataderos has recently paid tribute to its 5th batch of graduates. These certified butchers can easily be employed locally or work abroad where there is great demand for this kind of job.

AUGUST 21, 1971 and 1983: Two Significant Events in Philippine History

August 21 is an important date to remember not only for Liberals but for all Filipinos as well. Worth commemorating are the two significant events in our nation's history --- the Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971 and the Assasination of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. in 1983.

The Plaza Miranda Bombing of the Liberal Party political rally in Manila was believed to be a ploy of the Marcos Regime to maim the political opposition. The act was immediately blamed to former President Ferdinand Marcos but several years after the Marcos rule, a new twist emerged, new accounts of witnesses have attributed the bombing to Jose Ma. Sison, the self-exiled leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The bombing led to the killing of nine persons and scores injured including the candidates of the Liberal Party. The results of the election gave the Liberal Party candidates a near sweep in the senate slots, winning 6 out of 8 and the victory of the local candidates in Manila. However, the event was among the bases of Marcos in declaring Martial Law in September 21, 1971.

The assassination of Liberal Party stalwart, Senator Ninoy Aquino shocked the world. Upon his return from the United States for a medical treatment and political exile, he was felled by an assassin's bullet at the Manila International Airport, minutes after he was fetched by security escorts of the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) who led him to a separate exit of the plane. Despite using the name Marcial Bonifacio (Marcial for martial law and Bonifacio for Fort Bonifacio, the place where Ninoy was incarcerated, military authorities were able to trace what plane took him to Manila. The killing was also attributed to the Marcos regime which led to the outpouring of support to the advoacay of Ninoy --- FREEDOM for the Filipinos. Three years after the assassination, a snap election was held amidst the countless protest rallies, condemnations and pressures including those coming from the international communities. The questionable results of the election in which Marcos deafeated Corazon Aquino, widow of Ninoy eventually led to a People Power Revolution (EDSA 1) which catapulted Mrs. Aquino into the Presidency and the restoration of Democracy. For a brief shining moment, the Philippines was looked up to by the world as a symbol of freedom.

This events prove how liberals stand for their conviction in the name of freedom and for love of country.

METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL ESTABLISHED

“It started with a simple idea, we have waited for 14 years and after almost two days of Strategic Planning, we have made it, we were able to establish the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council.” This was my statement during the closing program of the Metro Governance Workshop held last August 13-14, 2008 attended by the Mayors, Vice Mayors, Councilors, and Planning Officers of Vigan, Bantay, Caoayan, Sta. Catalina, San Vicente, Santa and Sto. Domingo (the town of San Ildefonso did not send its participants although it accepted Vigan’s invitation to explore the possibility of establishing the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council). I went further by saying that “we have made history and it has happened during our time, during our incumbency”. Looking at the eyes of the participants, I felt a sigh of relief as they looked at me with approval.

VISION
During the strategic planning, ten vision pillars have been identified namely:

1. Trade, Industry and Employment
2. Fiscal Management
3. Tourism
4. Good Governance
5. Environment
6. Infrastructure
7. Basic Services and Utilities
8. Public Safety
9. Education
10. Agriculture

which led to the formulation of this Vision Statement:

METRO VIGAN --- A self sustaining, ecologically sound and globally competitive growth center for agro-economic tourism and trade, steered by politically matured leaders and inhabited by educated and God-fearing people.

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG)

The consultative workshop culminated by the creation of a Technical Working Group(TWG) assigned to finalize the the Memorandum of Agreement(MOA), the areas of cooperation, and the organizational structure. The TWG was given up to August 31, 2008 to finish its work. As the head of the group, this humble representation has to see to it that everything will be ready for the formal signing on September 8, 2008 during the Solidarity Day Celebration of Vigan City.

PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT

All participants to the Strategic Planning Workshop commited to support the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council (MVCC) by signing a Pledge of Commitment. This is a manifestation of oneness among the member LGUs and willingness to work together and share resources and responsibilities in order to realize a common development agenda.

METRO VIGAN PLANNING WORKSHOP

ROXAS: NO TO CHOP-CHOP REPUBLIC; FILES MOTION TO INTERVENE IN SC CASE(Adapted from the Official Website of Sen. Mar Roxas)

Senator Mar Roxas, President of the Liberal Party, asked the Supreme Court to stop the government from pushing through with the controversial GRP-MILF Peace Panel Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Ancestral Domain tagged by opponents within Mindanao as a trigger for war and violence in the region.

"Nagsalita ang taumbayan at hindi sila papayag na basta na lang matsa-chop-chop ang bansa natin gawa nitong MoA na produkto ng pamimilit at panloloko," Roxas said after filing the motion for intervention at the Supreme Court in Manila.

"Nais ko ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao, pero hindi sa pa-traydor na paraan gaya ng ginawa ng mga negosyador ng ating pamahalaan."

Roxas pointed out that the MoA violated the Constitution because it creates another "state" within the Philippines.

"Malinaw na malinaw sa unang pahina pa lang ng Konstitusyon ang hangganan ng ating teritoryo. Hindi ito pwedeng magbago sa sabi lang ng peace panel. Ni isang beses sa buong MoA ay nabanggit ang Konstitusyon sa MoA na ito," he added.

He said the country had so much to lose if the MoA as crafted would be implemented.

"Matagal na nang ninanais nating lahat, mas lalo ang mga taga-Mindanao, ng kapayapaan at katahimikan. Ngunit paano magkakaroon ng kapayapaan, kung ang kasunduan mismo ay hindi dumaan sa konsultasyon ng mga maaapektuhan nito?" he said.

"We are for peace, but not for ‘peace at any price,' not peace with a gun to our heads. If there is a peace agreement, it must go through the proper procedures and consultations not just between the government and the MILF but with the citizens of Mindanao," he added.

With Roxas' filing, he joins the petitions of the people of North Cotabato represented by their Governor Jesus Sacdalan and Vice-Governor Emmanuel Piñol, and the people of Zamboanga City represented by Mayor Celso Lobregat and congressmen Isabelle Climaco and Erico Fabian. The petitioners were granted a temporary restraining order on the MoA last August 4, a day before it was scheduled for signing.