Arroyo’s House Bill 173 which was co-sponsored by her allies’ aims for the creation of the Autonomous Region in Central Mindanao (ARCeM) and Autonomous Region in Southwestern Mindanao (ARSwM). The bill identifies Cotabato City as the provincial seat for ARCeM and Zamboanga City as the provincial seat for ARSwM respectively.

Zamboanga is a developing city that needs more cooperation and participation from Zamboangueños. We have seen how compassionate our local leaders in pursuing what the best is for Zamboanga as manifested in their struggle against the proposal of including Zamboanga as part of Autonomous Region of Western Mindanao.

But what is really in the proposed bill that we should oppose? Some might not understand the effort that both parties are vehemently expressing with their uniquely different agenda and purposes. If we talk of independence and progress, the local officials can bring progress to the City as we have observed its evolution. Progress? Do you think our inclusion to ARSwM is a solution to progress that will bridge economic stability? Let your decision be based on the real scenario of places that are included in Autonomous Region in Western Mindanao (Say Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, etc.). How about independence? Are we not given corporate independence being governed by local ordinances in accordance to Philippine Constitution?