MILF: Editorial--Grand gestures

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Dec 23-31): Editorial--Grand gestures

A little over two months after the signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) last October 15, 2012, President Benigno Aquino III signed the Executive Order (EO) No. 120 creating the 15-man Transition Commission (TC) last December 17 that gave birth to new political entity called “Bangsamoro” in 2016. The next day, December 18, the House of Representatives and the Senate issued their respective resolutions expressing support to the EO. The House Resolution No. 971 was introduced by Mindanao lawmakers: Jesus Sacdalan of North Cotabato, Tupay Loong of Sulu, and Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao, while the Senate’s Resolution No. 922 was introduced by Senator Teofisto Guingona III, also of Mindanao.

All these actions, by the President and the two Houses of Congress, are grand gestures of greatness beyond shallow and selfish considerations. These also show the growing maturity of this country especially the leaders in respecting and accommodating various political views and variants reminiscent of what are taking place in much of Europe, especially in the United Kingdom and in Spain. We salute the President for the EO and the congressmen and senators who find time to issue their respective resolutions expressing the sense of both chambers of Congress.

Now, can we safely say that the Moros in Mindanao are heading for their good future within the larger Philippine state by these grand gestures? Of course, the answer cannot be NO It would be at the height of heedlessness, nay ungratefulness, if we do not appreciate these greatness and statesmanship of the President and the senators and congressmen concerned. Indeed, these are acts and decisions in the right directions.

However, let us remember that the roadmap to peace as indicated in the FAB is still a long way to go. The road ahead is full of pitfalls and complexities. Remember that the two parties have failed to resolve the Annex on Arrangements and Modalities during their latest round of talks in Malaysia. This Annex will indicate the steps to complete the whole peace process in Mindanao leading to the establishment of a regular government for the Bangsamoro. The MILF wants to lead the Transition Authority, which is the real premium in the 16-year GPH-MILF peace negotiation, but the government preferred Bangsamoro-led.

For the moment, the parties are in locked in two immovable situations. But with the so much investments, goodwill, and determination of the parties, they will be able to settle this in due time, God willing! Besides and more importantly, we do not believe President Aquino has this kind of thinking in relation to who will lead Transition Authority. Even common sense would tell us that the accolade or reward must belong and go to those who invested “sweat, tears (and blood)” and not especially to those who rocked the boat when the sailing is rough. Otherwise, the whole idea is not really to solve the Moro Question with the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3005:grand-gestures&catid=344:gggg