NON SEQUITUR

"If we allow ourselves to be defeated by those who oppose peace, it would be tantamount to allowing the chaos in Mindanao to worsen. If we were to surrender the pursuit of the Bangsamoro, it would be tantamount to allowing them to bequeath arms to the next generations of our fellow Filipinos."

-- excerpt from PNoy speech

Non sequitur.

When debating we always refer to those fallible arguments that render any speech illogical. The above lines presume that those who oppose peace are for chaos. As well, not supporting the Bangsamoro Law is equal to allowing them to arm again.

Again, we say, all these do not follow.

PNoy presumes that those who oppose the BML are opposing peace. That is a big assumption which is not true. We are for suspension of talks about Bangsamoro because we want to have a clear picture of who we will give autonomy to. If it is only the MILF that the Office of the President is talking to, then we ask, what about the other groups, the other sectors in Mindanao? Who told the OP to marginalize the other groups from the talks?

If we suspend talks and then the Bangsamoro arm themselves again, then, that means their view of democracy is half-baked. The more we have to suspend talks with them because using arms is blackmailing us into acquiescing to their demands, without any questions being raised.

Blackmail is a method of gangsters and to be in a democratic state, one has to cease being a blackmailer, a gangster.

Also, what happens to our claims to Sabah, which is very rich in oil and the exploration of which could solve all our problems of poverty?

I think PNoy has to measure his words; otherwise, the more he is alienating us -- who are for peace but not using the methods that they are using now.

He should change his advisers who are pulling him down the quagmire of confusing policies.

Acting as a Statesman (Stateswoman) is having a broad view of the Philippine landscape; not the immediate but rather long term gains for all, not a few.

How easy to read that.

Peace and happiness are only elusive to those who pursue domination of other people. But once we see life on this earth as a peaceful co-existence, then we become happy and at peace with ourselves, first, and with others, next.