But Misuari’s call, said the opposition, is an exercise in futility because the former Muslim secessionist leader has no more clout among Filipino Muslims.
"As far as the presidential elections are concerned, his statement is useless. I don’t think he still has the hold on Muslims," Maguindanao congressman and Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) senatorial bet Didagen Dilangalen said.
In a two-page open statement released by the office of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Misuari cited 10 reasons why the people in Mindanao should go for the incumbent President, citing what she has done and will still do for the region.
Misuari said in his Feb. 10 open letter that he felt "it is best for our people to support President Arroyo to enable her to realize her vision of peace and economic prosperity for the Philippines."
His statement came after a visit by De Venecia and former presidential adviser on special concerns Norberto Gonzalez last Tuesday, when the three met for two hours in Misuari’s detention room inside Fort Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Misuari has been kept in detention since December 2001 for charges of rebellion in connection with the attack in Sulu and Zamboanga City by former members of the MNLF.
Misuari called Arroyo as the leader who "can best implement the proposed shift to the parliamentary federal system of government" as well as "Peace President" who has genuine reconciliation with the maginalized sectors of society.
He said the proposed shift to the parliamentaryfederal system would be "the last hope to reform the nation and for the Muslims and Lumads of Mindanao to achieve economic and social equality with their Christian brothers."
He also lauded the President for trying her best to implement the provisions of the 1996 agreement between the Philippine government and the MNLF, drawn up by then President Fidel Ramos and De Venecia. It was mediated by the 56 member-states of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
This, Misuari said, has given Muslims a "direct experience in self-governance."
"President Arroyo has focused intently on the plight of Mindanao by keeping a steady stream of projects and investments in agriculture, education, public works, and health, all of which Mindanao needs, in order to root out grim poverty and social injustice," he added. (Edmer Panesa)
In Iligan City
ILIGAN CITY — Thousands of vehicles from non-government organizations and transport groups here participated in the motorcade of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan sa Kinabukasan (K-4).
Sultan Ibrahim S. Camama of Iligan City said that there was a traffic jam as a result of the motorcade. Traffic officers rerouted vehicles coming in and out of the city to give way to the caravan.
The long caravan started at 9 a.m. in Timog, Linamon. From there, the caravan left towards the boundary of Lugait, Cagayan de Oro City, back to the city proper, passing MSU-IIT, the public market, Gaisano Mall and back to Macaraeg compound, Timoga, Linamon where a huge group of supporters were waiting.
Gloria dela Villaroza presided over the meeting of local officials and leaders of the NGOs to discuss their plan in ensuring rallies in every municipality to be sponsored by the group with proper coordination with Arroyo political campaign managers.
Villaroza said that the caravan for Arroyo was initiated and organized by the NGO leaders and concerned citizens of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.
One of the important topics discussed in the meeting is the posting of K-4 posters and streamers in designated areas.
A’lemah Sharifa A. Macarancas, president of the Mindanao Women’s group who participated the caravan, described it "as humble and peaceful, where many of the residents on the national highway were waving and shouting, GMA Iliganon Kami; GMA thank you for giving us more jobs for the reopening of the National Steel Corp."
A resident of Dalipuga, Crisenciano Abasolo, a former public school teacher, said that the people of Iligan enjoyed the caravan because of the President’s calendars. (Asa T. Madale)
National issues
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the Filipino electorate yesterday to look at how the present roster of presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial candidates belonging to the administration and opposition coalition parties tackle national issues rather than be bemused by their campaign gimmickry.
The President made the call as the people from all sectors of the society witnessed last Monday the colorful, gimmick-filled kick-off rallies of the administration and opposition coalition parties which started to solicit for the support and votes for the May 10 elections.
"Let this (electoral campaign) be a battle of issues that are most important to the lives of the average Filipino. I ask the people to think seriously about performance, qualifications, and tomorrow’s demands," she said.
