At the same time, Camiguin Lone District Rep. Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo called for Committee on Ethics investigation into the actions of Alvarez, saying that the incumbent Davao del Norte solon should be expelled if there is enough evidence to indicate that he is involved in seditious actions.

In a joint statement, Romualdo and his son, Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo said their province rejects the proposal of the former top officials of the country to create a Mindanao state that is independent from the rest of the country.

The father and son leaders of Camiguin said Duterte and Alvarez have already committed seditious actions for calling for the separation of Mindanao. They stressed that such proposal and subsequent actions of the two former officials violate the 1987 Constitution.
They said Camiguin is strongly opposed to the “self-serving”plan of Duterte to divide the nation.

Duterte has pointed to Alvarez, who is an incumbent congressman, as the proponent of the secession move which he supports.

Critics accused Duterte of pushing for an independent Mindanao state in order to evade his prosecution for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the killing of an estimated 12,000 individuals during his bloody anti-drug campaign as president.

A bar examination topnotcher, Governor Romualdo noted that he served three terms in Congress, with the last two terms served during the Duterte presidency.

He also said that Among the five speakers whom he served, it was Alvarez whom he considered as the “most forceful and powerful.”

“ Of course, everyone knows how powerful former President Duterte was during his term. Both are from Mindanao. They should thus answer for their complaints about the state of Mindanao. If things are as bad as they say, why is it that way when you ruled the country for six years? What were you doing when you were at the helm?” he said.

The young governor chided Duterte and Alvarez for “engaging in dangerous antics and stunts” merely to distract and divide the country for their own interests.
“Whether it’s his fear of possible prosecution by the International Criminal Court, or to be politically relevant again, or whatever his reason is, the former president is toying with dangerous proposals for selfish interests and self-preservation,” Romualdo said in a joint statement with his father.

Rep. Romualdo, on the other hand, said the Lower House may now initiate a probe into Alvarez’s and penalize him evidence warrants.

“Lawmakers and ordinary Mindanaoans are gravely concerned over the potential implications of such separatist movements on national unity and stability. The secession proposal has far-reaching effects on the values of sovereignty, unity, and rule of law in the Philippines,” said the elder Romualdo.

The incumbent lawmaker said: “It took many decades and countless lives lost before Mindanao experienced relative peace. Now that it’s on the road to prosperity, it’s frustrating that people like Duterte and Alvarez are willing to throw all that sacrifice in the name of self-preservation,” Rep. Romualdo stressed.