00:00 On the day, the nation paid tribute to the significance of the fundamental law of the land in the life of the nation,
00:06 the president made the case for the unconstitutionality of a Mindanao secession
00:12 given in its inseparability from the entire republic and the express dissent or disapproval of almost all of its constituents,
00:21 especially those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
00:25 Our Alan Francisco has the full report.
00:29 The call for Mindanao to break away or secede from the republic will fail.
00:34 This was emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at the Constitution Day 2024 event in Makati City earlier today.
00:42 According to President Marcos, calling for secession is a violation of the Constitution,
00:47 especially since the fundamental law serves as the anchor of society.
00:51 Alongside this, President Marcos called for an end to such proposals.
00:56 He also emphasized that his leadership will confront constitutional issues,
01:00 continue defending the Constitution, and ensure its implementation.
01:04 President Marcos expressed opposition to the secession of Mindanao.
01:08 As stated by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,
01:12 he reiterated points made in his speech during the 125th anniversary of the First Republic of the Philippines,
01:20 stating that a divided republic will not succeed.
01:23 Unity, he emphasized, is the key to the Philippines' recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
01:29 During the event that was first attended today by President Marcos,
01:32 in the meeting of the national and Bangsamoro governments' intergovernmental relations body,
01:37 he highlighted the importance of the Bangsamoro in the overall framework of national unity.
01:42 A stronger Bang means a stronger Mindanao.
01:45 A stronger Mindanao.
01:47 [applause]
01:49 A stronger Mindanao means a stronger Philippines.
01:53 Bring us closer to achieving our agenda.
01:57 President Marcos urged the people to ensure the success of the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections,
02:03 the first ever for the BARMM Parliament.
02:05 He emphasized that allowing every voter to exercise the right without being disenfranchised
02:11 by violence, intimidation, or bribery is crucial.
02:14 Giving the vote to the people to choose their leaders is the logical succession,
02:20 evolution to the grant of self-rule to your land.
02:25 I urge all of you, and we will be by your side, to make this very historic election,
02:32 this very historical and important event, a success.
02:36 Let us show the world that it is peaceful and it is credible.
02:40 President Marcos concluded by reminding everyone not to let any force divert the aspiration
02:46 for peace in BARMM, expressing optimism for the future
02:49 and the belief the region is well prepared for the challenges ahead.
02:52 Even one single voter to be disenfranchised by violence, by intimidation, or by bribery.
03:03 That is the job we have in front of us.
03:06 And after the election, it will be a new chapter for BARMM.
03:10 I face the future with optimism.
03:12 What gives me hope is the belief that you have prepared well.
03:15 You are right.
03:18 You are ready.
03:19 Alan Francisco from The National TV, for a new and better Republic.
