The signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement Monday elicited a mix of reactions from different groups and personalities.
Many in the international community expressed support for the agreement and looked forward to lasting peace and stability in Mindanao, which has been riddled with issues of autonomy since, at least, the 1970’s.
"The diligent efforts of all sides, particularly the Government of the Philippines, bring the dawning of a new era of opportunities for the people of Mindanao, the people of the Philippines, and partners in the surrounding region," Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley said in a statement released Monday.
The European Union’s High Representative Catherine Ashton said that the early signature of the “truly historical document is a major step towards a long-lasting peace in Mindanao, which will lead the island to stability and prosperity.”
In a statement, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also praised the peace deal, and commended "President Benigno Aquino for his vision and courage, as well as the commitment of the MILF leadership, in reaching this landmark achievement."
Philippine business groups also welcomed the signing of the peace agreement.
"Along with the promise of peace, we hope that this optimism will later translate into business relationships in the Bangsamoro, leading to the realization of Mindanao’s potential to be an integral part of the Philippines’ improving economic engine and, ultimately, to the upliftment of the lives of the Bangsamoro people," the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines said in a joint statement Monday.
The peace agreement between the government and the MILF was signed Monday afternoon in ceremonies held at the Malacañang Palace, and was witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak.
"After decades of armed conflict and bloodshed, an agreement that will hopefully seal a final lasting peace in Mindanao and the Philippines," said Aquino during the signing ceremony.
Constitutional amendment
Local politicians were more circumspect in their reactions, however.
"As a Mindanaoan, I look forward to sustainable peace, and economic and social development in Mindanao and the entire nation," said Senator TG Guingona, who hails from Misamis Oriental, in his Twitter account.
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago thinks the Bangsamoro deal violates the Constitution.
"In the Bangsamoro area, there will not be a presidential form of government, but a completely different form of government, a parliamentary form of government. That certainly will require an amendment of our Constitution," she said.
However, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who served as a minister in the Marcos era’s parliamentary form of government, disagrees with her.
"We have already done it before. The provisions on the ARMM and the Cordillera are not self-executing, and we passed the legislation. So we can do the same thing here," he said.
Likewise, Pacifico Agabin, former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law and an expert on constitutional law, does not think that a constitutional amendment is necessary.
"Kasi sa 1987 constitution natin, merong special provisions for the autonomous regions. Sa mga provisions na yun, 'di naman pinagbabawal ang pag-setup ng ministerial form of government or parliamentary form of government," Agabin said in a report on GMA 7 news program 24 Oras.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who heads the Senate defense committee, is worried that the name “Bangsamoro” may cause problems because it means “nation of Moros,” which bears the connotation that it is a “separate nation.”
“It may be petty, pero may connotation iyan. Bakit inisip nila gawing Bangsamoro? It refers to people and nation, Bangsa and Moro. Baka may kaunting problema,” the senator said in an interview over dzBB radio Sunday.
Lacson said that Congress will have to take this matter up, as well as other portions of the framework agreement between the government and the MILF, because the Bangsamoro Basic Law will effectively amend Republic Act 6734 or the law creating ARMM.
With the signing of the framework agreement, a Transition Commission will now be created. The Commission will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law Bill which will have to be passed by Congress.
After the bill is signed into law, a plebiscite in Mindanao will determine which provinces will be part of the Bangsamoro.
The Aquino administration plans to bring the peace agreement to a conclusion by 2016.
Betrayal
Habib Mujahab Hashim, Chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Islamic Command Council said in a 24 Oras report that the agreement is a betrayal as any talks regarding Mindanao should include the MNLF.
“We have no other recourse but to go back to the original objective of armed struggle,” Hashim said. “Wala nang paraan eh.”
Nur Misuari, former governor of ARMM and former head of the MNLF, said that the government seemed to have mistaken the MNLF’s silence during the negotiations as a sign of weakness.
“Malaking pagkakamali ‘yan,” he said. “Papatunayan naming sa mga susunod na araw. Ipapakita namin ang dami namin.”
While the influential Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which brokered the negotiations between the government and MNLF, welcomed the agreement, it reiterated its position that the 1976 Tripoli Agreement should be the basis for any settlement of the conflict in Mindanao.-GMA News (October 16, 2012 1:03AM)
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