Filipino Muslims may not be at home with the country’s present name, “Philippines,” as it was coined from the name of a “despot” Spanish king in the 16th century.
This was the theory of President Rodrigo Duterte, who said the average Moro would rather address themselves as a Tausug or a Maranao, but not as a Filipino.
In a speech before barangay leaders in Pasay City on Monday night, the President said Moro National Liberation Front founding chair Nur Misuari preferred to be called a Tausug.
“They won’t say, ‘Philippines,’ when they go out and are asked, ‘What are you? Me? I am Tausug, I am Maranao.’ They won’t say, ‘I’m a Filipino.’ Maybe those diplomats and those in career positions in government, but not the average Moro,” the President said.
He made the remarks weeks after he advocated for the renaming of the Philippines to Maharlika.