President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. delivers his speech during the Bagong Pilipinas Kick-Off Rally in Manila on January 28, 2024. The rally is said to be a “call to action” for Filipinos to participate in the government’s efforts to improve the country. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday vowed to defend the Constitution as he appealed to those calling for a separate Mindanao to stop their cause, which he said will not prosper.

Marcos made the statement in front of constitutionalists during the "Constitution Day" event of the Philippine Constitution Association and the Manila Overseas Press Club in Makati City, in celebration of the 37th anniversary of the 1987 Constitution.

"The new call for a separate Mindanao is doomed to fail for it is anchored on a false premise, not to mention a sheer Constitutional travesty," Marcos Jr. said.

The president made the statement in front of Philconsa Chairperson and former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and Philconsa President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Last week, former President Rodrigo Duterte led the call for the secession of Mindanao, as he registered his opposition to the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.

Duterte had announced that he instructed Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez to start soliciting signatures for that purpose. The former president's plan was criticized by lawmakers and legal experts, as well as the interim government of the Bangsamoro region.

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"I strongly appeal to all concerned to stop this call for a separate Mindanao," Marcos Jr. said.

Earlier on Thursday, Marcos Jr. appealed for unity “under one nation” during the the 17th meeting of the National Government- Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB).

Without mentioning Duterte or his idea of Mindanao's secession, Marcos Jr. said: "I would even venture to say that Bagong Pilipinas is incomplete without a Bangsamoro rising along and within it... A stronger BARMM means a stronger Mindanao. A stronger Mindanao means a stronger Philippines, bringing us closer to achieving our agendas."

The president also said that he is open to amending the 1987 Constitution -- but only on its economic provisions.

"This administration's position in introducing reforms extends to economic matters alone," Marcos Jr. stressed.

Marcos seeks unity 'under one nation', wants 'stronger Mindanao'

Peace adviser calls out Duterte push to separate Mindanao from PH

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