Senatorial candidate Amirah Ali "Mek" Lidasan expressed that she will advocate for the oppressed and victims of violence in Mindanao, aiming to address the issues they continue to face.
"Unang-una po kailangan ng tunay na boses ng mga kapatid ninyong inaapi at naging biktima ng karahasan doon sa Mindanao," Lidasan said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday.
Lidasan highlighted the widespread impact of the job shortage and low wages, pointing out that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has the lowest minimum wage, across the nation.
Furthermore, she emphasized that a large number of those impacted by the conflict in the region are still in evacuation centers, with no assurance of returning to their places of origin.
Pointing to the reason behind her decision to run for Senate, she stated that no one has been standing up for the rights and welfare of the Moro people.
She explained that the reason she did not run for a seat in BARMM was her decision to focus on advocating for the representation of marginalized individuals, ensuring their voices, welfare, and interests are heard.
Concrete plans to advocate for the rights of the Moro people
"Pangunahin po ang kailangang kilalanin ang karapatan sa lupang ninuno kasi dito po ‘yung natural resources natin at lagi pong nawawalan ng respeto sa pagmamay-ari o karapatan sa lupang ninuno," said Lidasan.
"Kunyari po kapag may minahan, pinagde-desisyunan sa Kongreso at Senado, sino ang mga korporasyon o mga karamihan multinational corporation at sila ang binibigyan ng karapatan over doon sa mamamayan nagsasabing huwag sirain ang kanilang kalikasan," she added.
The Moro activist also stated her intention to push for the right to self-determination, pointing out that governments are being established in their communities that fail to recognize the rights of the Moro people and indigenous groups.
She emphasized the need for a law recognizing the role of the Datus, pointing out that while there are agencies focusing on indigenous people, Datus who oppose their projects are often replaced.
Worse, she highlighted the rising cases of extrajudicial killings involving Datus who stand their ground.
Ultimately, she also seeks to advance the preservation of their culture, focusing on the establishment and expansion of Lumad schools, which had been shut down due to negative perceptions.
She mentioned that the type of education provided in these schools is not colonial, but rather focuses on teaching their rights, culture, and traditions. At the same time, it is also scientific, as it studies ways to address agricultural issues.
"Hindi komerysalisado. Kumbaga maraming gustong tumulong para makapag-aral ang ating mga Lumad pero sapilitan itong ipinasara ng DepEd, at noong panahon nga ni [dating Pangulong Rodrigo] Duterte, maraming pang militarisasyon na ginawa sa mga ekswelahan na ito," said Lidasan.
Moreover, she reiterated that Lumad schools, or any Indigenous schools, should not be labeled as "terrorist schools."
"Kasi nakakasakit iyan. Grabe ang pagtingin niyo sa aming kultura at sa aming mga pinag-aaralanan. Ang gusto lang naman ng mga kababayan natin ay umunlad at solusyunan ang mga problema sa aming mga komunidad," she added.
Perspective on the current progress of BARMM implementation
The senatorial hopeful lamented the shrinking of their territory, particularly the removal of Sulu, a region she pointed out as a key part of their historical narrative and fight for justice.
She emphasized that the formation of BARMM would be impossible without including Sulu.
On another note, she noted with regret the Malacañang's decision to push the BARMM Parliamentary Elections to October, expressing concern over the delay's effect on the Moro people's voice in governance.
"Nakakalungkot na ganoon ang nangyayari sa BARMM nababalahura ang aming mga karapatan sa pagboto, pagpili ng aming mga lider," Lidasan said.
"Maganda sana kung nakasabay siya sa May 12 [BARMM election] para maiwasan ang impluwensya ng mga nakaupo," she added.
Other priorities to advocate for if elected
One of her priorities is to advocate for the repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Law, citing how many activists who directly support their cause are being targeted.
Furthermore, she also hopes to push for bills that protect human rights defenders, as those who manage ancestral lands and communities should be recognized and granted government protection.
Lidasan also vowed to advocate for a living wage of P1,200 nationwide, especially now that many people are facing severe crises.
An activist, Lidasan serves as the co-chairperson of the Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination.
She is also a member of the Makabayan coalition, which includes representatives from various sectors.
