MNLF expects BBL deadlock due to constitutional restraints

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 5): MNLF expects BBL deadlock due to constitutional restraints

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) yesterday expressed no surprise over the “impasse” in the peace negotiations between the government of the Philippines (GRP) and its breakaway faction Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), citing the limitations under the Constitution.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesman of the MNLF, said that the GRP-MILF was really bound for a stalemate because the Aquino government cannot deliver what was earlier agreed upon by the peace panels.

Fontanilla also criticized the Aquino administration for using the same ploy used against the MNLF, which signed a Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the government in 1996.

“The same deceitful ploy is being used against our brother MILF. The government cannot deliver because of constitutional limitation,” Fontanilla told The Tribune.

According to Fontanilla, the Aquino administration’s ploy was meant to serve its political interest and not addressing the decades-old Mindanao conflict.

“Aquino’s political interest and survival is their political scheme,” Fontanilla said.

Fontanilla, however, stressed that the MNLF is not against the peaceful resolution of the Bangsamoro conflict.

He said the MNLF’s pursuit for an independent Bangsamoro Republik is continuing with constant dialog with the people of Mindanao.

“As per our interview with Christian brothers and sisters, greater number of people of Mindanao are supportive of the peaceful process of independence,” Fontanilla said.

The MNLF has accused the government of the Philippines of not fully implementing the 1996 FPA, prompting its leader Nur Misuari to push for his Bangsamoro Republik.

The peace negotiations between the GRP and MILF hit a snag after Malacañang returned to the MILF a “diluted” draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which would pave the way for the establishment of a Bangsamoro entity.

Prior to the return of the “diluted” BBL, the MILF has been complaining of so much delay in the review of the proposed law by the Office of the President. The OP took 61 days to come up with its version of the draft law.

The MILF branded the Malacañang version of the BBL as not meant to address the Bangsamoro Question and departed from the letter and spirit of the FAB signed Oct. 15, 2012.

The FAB signing led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Transision Commission (BTC), led by MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal.

The MILF has insisted that the signed FAB and its Annexes should not be renegotiated even after Malacañang returned what MILF branded as heavily diluted version of the BBL.

“All those issues that are settled in the FAB and its Annexes will not be subject for renegotiation; and settled language in the FAB and its Annexes will not be subject for renegotiation,” the MILF insisted.

The GRP and MILF peace panels are currently meeting in Davao City to resolve the issue of the “diluted” BBL. 

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/mnlf-expects-bbl-deadlock-due-to-constitutional-restraints