Poverty in a land of plenty. This, in a phrase, best describes the situation in Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines. While Mindanao is blessed with an expansive territory, bountiful natural resources and a vast potential for human capital, yet the people have yet to reap the island’s bounty. Close to half of its population (44%) live below the poverty line.

This situation is aggravated by the marginalization of Mindanao in the policy-making structures and processes of the country. Main offices of government, business establishments, and even non-government organizations are based in Manila. Hence, much of Philippine history and experience, business and politics is shaped and viewed from the perspective of Manila.

This marginalization is experienced intensely even in the field of the legal profession and the sector involved in the administration of justice. While the Local Government Code (R.A. 7160) has devolved certain powers and authority of the executive and legislative branches of government to local government units, the judicial branch sadly remains highly “centralized”. It is no wonder, therefore, that the vast majority of Philippine lawyers and law firms are based in Manila.

This highly “centralized” and alienating legal system and profession contributes to the continuing disempowerment of the majority of Mindanawans.