Aquino says peace panels are all set to finalize work on Framework Agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Aquino says peace panels are all set to finalize work on Framework Agreement

After successfully coming to terms on the revenue generation and wealth sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will start working on power sharing and normalization annexes after Ramadan.

In an interview with the media after attending the opening program of the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) 2013 held at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Lanang Premier, Lanang, Davao City on Thursday, the Chief Executive said the members of the GRP and MILF peace panels have now set their sights on agreeing on the last two remaining annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro which is power sharing and normalization.

"Itong patapos na ang Ramadan – ang susunod na pag-uusapan ay ang power-sharing at ang normalization. Ano ba ang mga powers na ide-devolve doon sa bagong gobyerno ng ARMM at iyong tinatawag na normalization, ang pagbaba ng armas," the President Aquino said.

"Sa Congress, I understand, there is widespread support but, of course, everybody wants to look at the details of the proposed Organic Act. Ang Transition Commission ang nagda-draft nitong proposed new measure to replace the current ARMM organic act," the President said.

The wealth-sharing annex was signed by both parties after concluding the 38th series of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last July.

In a joint statement released by both panels, the GRP and MILF said the wealth-sharing annex will “provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provision on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement.

The Parties believe that the Annex on Wealth Sharing, which forms part of the Framework Agreement, will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

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