Update: Well, well, well: SC stops MOA signing. Interesting because before the Supremes’ intervention was even reported, Ding Gagelonia was reporting MILF Sets Ancestral Domain Pact Signing on August 25, Not Tomorrow in his blog!
Without any explanation the Moro Islamic Liberation Fron is reporting on its web site, luwaran.com, that the controversial signing of what it says “is considered as the most significant and historic event that ever happened in the annals of the 11-year old GRP-MILF Peace Talks” is being held on August 25 and not tomorrow as earlier announced by Malacanang.
The MILF report goes on to say that “in term (sic) of significance, the MILF views this signing ceremony as at par with the signing of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001 in Tripoli, Libya.”
“Composing the MILF delegation are: 1) MILF Peace Panel; 2) Secretariat; 3) Technical Committee, whose membership were former members of the MILF Technical Working Group (TWG); 4) Back Staff of the MILF Peace Panel; and 5) representatives of MILF-nominated NGOs.
The group which originally broke away from Nur Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front also says it has “sent some 50 persons including its peace panel, secretariat, technical committee, and representatives of its nominated non-government organizations (NGOs) to the formal signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) in Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia August 25.”
This unexplained postponement comes in the face of mounting opposition to the agreement which, although it is being downplayed by Malacanang, is also being challenged in thre Supreme Court and non-Muslim officials, among them Malacanang ally, North Cotabato vice governer Manny Pinol.
***
Last Thursday, my column, An undemocratic decorum , focused on the glitterati who inspired public revulsion during the President’s State of the Nation Address.
But the essential starting point is a remarkable entry in his blog by Jove Francisco, who provided background information on the preparation of the President’s speech, including some points that were dropped at the last minute: and how those preparations belied the Palace’s claims that it had merely shrugged off the devastating survey results released on the eve of the President’s address. The decision to focus on a catalog of achievements was a conscious effort to reclaim public opinion (he also has an intriguing portion on how the Palace may have commissioned its own survey in order to prop up Joseph Estrada as a straw man to help propel Charter Change: it reminds me of this diary entry by Ferdinand Marcos).
He also blogged that the President’s people all assumed a discreet go-ahead for constitutional amendments had been given (former Chief Justice Panganiban in recent columns discussed how such a change is neither constitutionally or legally impossible nor politically insurmountable):
As previously announced by the officials of the Presidential Management Staff, there will be no mention of Charter Change.
But conversations with sources from the political scene confirmed that Chacha may not have been heard in the halls of congress during the SONA, but it sure is being talked about by those concerned, “yun nga lang ay pabulong pa”.
Secretary Dureza, when I asked him about the President’s Mindanao plan, was evasive but, old pro that he is, immediately countered by saying the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process would be reporting to the House, but he probably knew by then that the real news would that House panel approves ARMM poll suspension.
Since then, of course, and rapidly (though Reuters reported about it on July 16, see Philippines, Muslim rebels reach deal on homeland), since the story has basically unfolded in about a week, the public has come to realize that it has very little time to grasp the full implications of the President’s comments on Mindanao and the peace deal with the MILF. While we don’t know whether the pros or cons did the leaking, details of the proposed agreement began to be reported over the weekend: Bangsomoro to get own state: Gov’t, MILF to sign ancestral domain pact Tuesday.
Public opinion, this early on, is divided -and even heated. It reminds me of this:
At first hailed as a conquering hero, by the outbreak of World War II, Neville Chamberlain was despised as an appeaser and Appeasement has been our political vocabulary as a negative thing since. In recent decades, though, historians have taken to proposing that what Chamberlain did was buy time, so that Britain could better rearm for the inevitable confrontation with Germany. In our case, the question is whether the public believes a peace deal with the MILF is in the national interest or not. Certain provinces tried to intervene in the Supreme Court, but the government told the Supreme Court the contents of the deal are covered by executive privilege. See SC starts deliberations on appeal vs MOA:
Shortly after the high court started its session, government, through Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera, sent its comment to the petition filed by officials of North Cotabato province, asking the high court to dismiss their appeal for a disclosure of the contents of the MOA, Marquez said.
Marquez said the high court gave the government until 12 noon Monday to submit its document, which arrived shortly after the high court began its deliberations.
By invoking executive privilege, in its 26-page comment, the government said while negotiations with the MILF did not involve any foreign power, there were military and national concerns raised.
“This being so, the entire process, the negotiations involving the said MOA and the drafts, documents thereof resulting from said negotiations is covered by the doctrine of executive privilege, which prevents the disclosure of information that could subvert military or diplomatic objectives,” the solicitor general said.
But then again the draft of the agreement is already available on line. See the full text of the RP-MILF draft pact on Bangsamoro homeland. As for the agreement itself, two entries in Mon Casiple’s blog cover all the controversial bases in the agreement. See MILF decoy for cha-cha and Disturbing BJE questions. As it is, Casiple provides a chart put together by Bong Montesa, part of the government’s negotiating team, and so it’s safe to assume the chart is authoritative, and puts forward the official game plan (in his blog, colleague John Nery thinks the President is not giving out marching orders, but rather, making an appeal):
Now what, exactly, does the game plan cover, in terms of territory? first, let’s begin with this Wikipedia map, which shows the present ARMM in Green:
Then let’s refer to this:
The image above is taken from ABS-CBN’s scan of the draft agreement, and shows the areas proposed for inclusion in the expanded ARMM which would then constitute the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. You will notice that the areas in black, the areas where the government commits to holding a plebiscite, correspond pretty much, to these 19th Century maps of the old Sultanate of Sulu (from the Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection)..
There is this German map from 1859, note the demarcation line for Spanish-controlled areas of the Philippines:
Another map from the same year shows the demarcation line more clearly:
Another map this one, which is from an 1892 American encyclopedia map, also retains the basic delineation between areas under direct Spanish control and the territory of the old Sultanate of Sulu (in yellow):
These maps cover a period that, based on one timeline put forward by , circumscribed the authority of the Sultan of Sulu and established the area as a Spanish protectorate:
March.1877 – The Sulu Protocol was signed between Spain, England, and Germany that recognized Spain’s rights over Sulu and, in consideration for the said lease of North Borneo, ended European hostilities in the area
July 22, 1878 – Sultan Jamal ul-Alam signed a treaty with the Spanish Crown making whole of Sulu a protectorate of Spain yet retained her autonomy and the privilege to fly own flag thus saved Jolo from further destruction.
1883 – Manila Spanish government established a customs house in Ciudad de Zamboanga to clear goods coming into the Sultanate of Sulu but, on the insistence of the British, Jolo was declared a free port and trade continued.
After which, of course, took place American efforts, by treaty and conquest, to establish American sovereignty over the Sultanate. That in itself calls for a separate, future entry, as it’s the American conquest of the old Sultanate of Sulu that leads, in turn, to the question of the Republic’s sovereignty over Muslim areas in Mindanao.
But for now, this blog entry in stuart-santiago, asks why should it even be that outright independence for Muslim areas isn’t a widely-acceptable option. To her, it is.
As for myself, my contention today is that The agreement itself is the prize. It does not matter if the whole thing doesn’t take off, what matters to the MILF is getting the government representatives to formally sign the memorandum. The Warrior Lawyer also seems to think so, tooL but says the agreement is a recipe for bloodshed. See a view from Davao in Alleba Politics:
I, among many here Mindanao, have been seeking out for the restoration of peace in the island.
My Muslim friend is optimistic that the agreement can bring peace to Mindanao, but he also fears it might lead to war. For one, he questions the sole representation of the entire Muslim population by MILF.
This MoA, I fear, reeks of insincerity, a strong decisive political move with many repercussions. I do not want to wait and see how it plays out because too many lives have been lost. And in the process, it has all become military and political. What our Muslim brothers want and need, in my opinion, cannot be simply answered by such military and political solutions.
A hawkish response, including a reproduction of Tony Abaya’s column quoting Bobi Tiglao’s visit to the MILF’s base of operations in the 1990s, appears in Tatay Pepes Restobar in General Santos City, Philippines. The announcement by the MILF that the agreement will be signed on August 25, also makes for interesting reading, giving a glimpse of those it considers its enemies.
grd, fr. bernas was speaking as a lawyer. this is a debate i’ve been having with lawyers recently, over this. one grey area is that the const. provides for the senate to ratify treaties; but since this involves no foreign country, the senate has nothing to approve -though one can argue that with malaysia as the padrino of the agreement, it has the status of a trety (or not!).
but bernas says that the agreement is a mere scrap of paper until congress passes the various enabling alws and constitutes itself into a const. assembly to amend the constitution. the problem is the executive has made a commitment and it heads a ruling coalition in congress that is obedient to the will of the executive. furthermore, regardless of whether anything further happens in congress, the exeutive has acted and committed for the nation, its word is its bond, and the world will take note the government made a commitment and that paper will determine every future talk with muslim groups in the future. in that sense, while perhaps not achieving anything tangible yet, it has already tied the hands of posterity. that is where the law and politics and diplomacy diverge.
Here are some things: The published draft of the agreement ( http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080804-152469/GRP-MILF-draft-pact-on-Bangsamoro-homeland ) has been further revised as per http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152712/2-key-provisions-in-draft-revised : to wit,
D. Without derogating from the requirements of prior agreements, the Government stipulates to conduct and deliver, using all possible legal measures, within twelve (12) months following the signing of the MOA-AD, a plebiscite covering the areas as enumerated in the list and depicted in the map as Category A attached herein (the “Annexâ€Â). The Annex constitutes an integral part of this framework agreement. Toward this end, the Parties shall endeavour to complete the negotiating and resolve all outstanding issues on the Comprehensive Compact within fifteen (15) months from the signing of the MOA-AD.
E. The areas covered by Category B are reflected on a map and list attached herein as agreed to by the Parties. Category B (the “Special Intervention Areasâ€Â) refers to conflict affected areas outside the BJE which shall be the subject of special socio-economic and cultural affirmative action implemented by the Central Government pending the conduct of a plebiscite not earlier than twenty-five (25) years from the signing of the Comprehensive Compact to determine the question of their accession to the BJE. The areas reflected are subject to further negotiations by the Parties. The Annex constitutes an integral part of the framework agreement.
Also, here are Fr. Bernas’ comments:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152659/Its-just-a-piece-of-paperBernas
And here’s a list of plebiscite areas:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152700/Plebiscite-areas
REGION X
LANAO DEL NORTE
Baloi (all)â€â€Abaga, Adapun-Ali (Dariat), Angandog (Bulao), Angayen (Balut), Bangko, Batolacongan (Basagad), Buenavista, Cadayonan, Landa (Gadongan), Lumbac, Mamaanun, Maria-Cristina, Matampay, Nangka, Pacalundo, Poblacion East, Poblacion West, Sandor (Daduan), Sangcad (Cormatan), Sarip-Alawi (Payawan), Sigayan
Munai (all)â€â€Bacayawan, Balabacun, Balintad, Dalama, Kadayonan, Lindongan, Lingco-an, Lininding, Lumba-Bayabao, Madaya, Maganding, Matampay, North Cadulawan, Old Poblacion, Panggao, Pantao, Pantao-A-Munai, Pantaon, Pindolonan, Punong, Ramain, Sandigamunai, Tagoranao, Tambo, Tamparan (Mandaya), Taporog
Nunungan (all)â€â€Abaga, Bangco, Cabasaran (Laya), Canibongan, Dimayon, Inayawan, Kaludan, Karcum, Katubuan, Liangan, Lupitan, Malaig, Mangan, Masibay, Notongan, Panganapan, Pantar, Paridi, Petadun, Poblacion (Nunungan Proper), Rarab, Raraban, Rebucon, Songgod, Taraka
Pantar (all)â€â€Bangcal, Bowi, Bubong Madaya, Cabasaran, Cadayonan, Campong, Dibarosan, Kalanganan East, Kalanganan Lower, Kalilangan, Lumba-Punod, Pantao-Marug, Pantao-Ranao, Pantar East, Pitubo, Poblacion, Poona-Punod, Punod, Sundiga-Punod, Tawanan, West Pantar
Tagoloan (all)â€â€Dalamas, Darimbang, Dimayon, Inagongan, Kiazar (Pob.), Malimbato, Panalawan
Tangcal (all)â€â€Bayabao, Berwar, Big Banisilon, Big Meladoc, Bubong, Lamaosa, Linao, Lindongan, Lingco-an, Papan, Pelingkingan, Poblacion, Poona Kapatagan, Punod, Small Banisilon, Small Meladoc, Somiorang, Tangcal Proper
REGION IX
ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR
Isabela (all)â€â€Aguada, Balatanay, Baluno, Begang, Binuangan, Busay, Cabunbata, Calvario, Carbon, Diki, Dona Ramona T. Alano, Isabela Eastside (Pob.), Isabela Proper (Pob.), Kapatagan Grande, Kapayawan, Kaumpurnah Zone I, Kaumpurnah Zone II, Kaumpurnah Zone III, Kumalarang, La Piedad (Pob.), Lampinigan, Lanote, Lukbuton, Lumbang, Makiri, Maligue (Lunot), Marang-marang, Marketsite (Pob.), Masula, Menzi, Panigayan, Panunsulan, Port Area (Pob.), Riverside, San Rafael, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz (Pob.), Seaside (Pob.), Small Kapatagan, Sumagdang, Sunrise Village (Pob.), Tablawan, Tabuk (Pob.), Tampalan, Timpul
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Sacol Island)â€â€Busay, Landang Gua, Landang Laum, Manalipa, Pasilmata, Tigtabon
ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR
Dinasâ€â€Benuatan, East Migpulao, Lucoban, Nian, Pisa-an, Sambulawan, Songayan, Tarakan
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY
Mabuhayâ€â€Bangkaw-bangkaw, Caliran, Pamansaan, Taguisan, Tandu-comot
REGION X
LANAO DEL NORTE
Bacolodâ€â€Babalayan Townsite, Dimarao, Pagayawan, Punod (Maliwanag)
Iligan Cityâ€â€Digkilaan, Dulag, Hindang, Kalilangan, Lanipao, Mainit, Panoroganan, Rogongon
Kauswagan (all)â€â€Bagumbayan (Pob.), Bara-ason, Cayontor, Delabayan, Inudaran, Kawit Occidental, Kawit Oriental*, Libertad, Poblacion, Tacub, Tingintingin, Tugar
Kolambuganâ€â€Bubong,Lumbac,Matampay, Pagalungan, Pantaon, Small Banisilan
Linamon (all)â€â€Busque, Larapan, Magoong, Napo, Poblacion, Purakan, Robocon, Samburon
Magsaysay (all)â€â€Babasalon, Baguiguicon, Daan Campo, Durianon, Ilihan, Lamigadato, Lemoncret, Lubo, Lumbac, Malabaogan, Mapantao, Olango, Pangao, Pelingkingan, Lower Caningag (Perimbangan), Poblacion (Bago-A-Ingud), Rarab, Somiorang, Upper Caningag (Taguitingan), Talambo, Tambacon, Tawinian, Tipaan, Tombador
Maigoâ€â€Inoma
Matungao (all)â€â€Bubong Radapan, Bangco, Batal, Batangan, Cadayonan, Matampay, Pangi, Pasayanon, Poblacion (Matungao), Puntod, Santa Cruz, Somiorang
Pantao Ragat (all)â€â€Aloon, Banday, Bobonga Pantao Ragat, Bobonga Radapan, Cabasagan, Calawe, Culubun, Dilimbayan, Dimayon, Poblacion East, Lomidong, Madaya, Maliwanag, Matampay, Natangcopan, Pansor, Pantao Marug, Tangcal, Tongcopan, Poblacion West
Poona Piagapo (all)â€â€Alowin, Bubong-Dinaig, Cabasaran, Cadayonan, Caromatan, Daramba, Dinaig, Kablangan, Linindingan, Lumbatan, Lupitan, Madamba, Madaya, Maliwanag, Nunang, Nunungan, Pantao Raya, Pantaon, Pendolonan, Pened, Piangamangaan, Poblacion (Lumbacaingud), Sulo, Tagoranao, Tangclao, Timbangalan
Salvador (all)â€â€Barandia, Bulacon, Buntong, Calimodan, Camp III, Curva-Miagao, Daligdigan, Inasagan, Kilala, Mabatao, Madaya, Mamaanon, Mapantao, Mindalano, Padianan, Pagalongan, Pagayawan, Panaliwad-on, Pangantapan, Pansor, Patidon, Pawak, Poblacion, Saumay, Sudlon
Sapad (all)â€â€Baning, Buriasan (Pob.), Dansalan, Gamal, Inudaran I, Inudaran II, Karkum, Katipunan, Mabugnao, Maito Salug, Mala Salug, Mama-anon, Mapurog, Pancilan, Panoloon, Pili, Sapad
Sultan Naga Dimaporo (all)â€â€Bangaan, Bangco, Bansarvil II, Bauyan, Cabongbongan, Calibao, Calipapa, Calube, Campo Islam, Capocao, Dabliston, Dalama, Dangulaan, Ditago, Ilian, Kauswagan, Kirapan, Koreo, Lantawan, Mabuhay, Maguindanao, Mahayahay, Mamagum, Mina, Pandanan, Payong, Pikalawag, Pikinit, Piraka, Poblacion, Ramain, Rebucon, Sigayan, Sugod, Tagulo, Tantaon, Topocon (Capocgo)
Tubodâ€â€Baris (Lumangculob)
BUKIDNON
Kalilanganâ€â€Pamotolan
REGION XII
COTABATO CITY (all) Bagua, Bagua I, Bagua II, Bagua III, Kalanganan, Kalanganan I, Kalanganan II, Poblacion, Poblacion I, Poblacion II, Poblacion III, Poblacion IV, Poblacion IX, Poblacion V, Poblacion VI, Poblacion VII, Poblacion VIII, Rosary Heights, Rosary Heights I, Rosary Heights II, Rosary Heights III, Rosary Heights IV, Rosary Heights IX, Rosary Heights V, Rosary Heights VI, Rosary Heights VII, Rosary Heights VIII, Rosary Heights X, Rosary Heights XI, Rosary Heights XII, Rosary Heights XIII, Tamontaka, Tamontaka I, Tamontaka II, Tamontaka III, Tamontaka IV, Tamontaka V
COTABATO (North Cotabato)
Alamadaâ€â€Dado, Guiling, Lower Dado, Macabasa, Mapurok, Pigcawaran
Aleosanâ€â€Dunguan, Lower Mingading, Luanan, Malapang, New Panay, Pagangan, Tapodoc
Banisilanâ€â€Gastay, Banisilan Poblacion, Busaon, Capayangan, Carugmanan, Kalawaig, Kiaring, Malinao, Miguel Macasarte, Pantar, Paradise, Pinamulaan, Poblacion II, Solama, Thailand, Tinimbacan, Tumbao-Camalig, Wadya
Carmenâ€â€Aroman, Cadiis, General Luna, Katanayanan, Kibenes, Kitulaan, Langogan, Lanoon, Lumayong, Macabenban, Manarapan, Manili, Nasapian, Palanggalan, Pebpoloan, Tambad, Tupig
Kabacan (all)â€â€Aringay, Bangilan, Bannawag, Buluan, Cuyapon, Dagupan, Katidtuan, Kayaga, Kilagasan, Magatos, Malamote, Malanduague, Nanga-an, Osias, Paatan Lower, Paatan Upper, Pedtad, Pisan, Poblacion, Salapungan, Sanggadong, Simbuhay, Simone, Tamped
M’langâ€â€Dagong, Dungo-an, Gaunan
Matalamâ€â€Arakan, Central Malamote, Ilian, Kidama, Kilada, Manubuan, Marbel, Patadon West, Poblacion, Taguranao, Tamped (Tampad), New Abra
Midsayapâ€â€Lomopog, Central Labas, Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kapinpilan, Kudarangan, Macasendeg, Malingao, Mudseng, Nabalawag, Nes, Olandang, Rangaban, Salunayan, Sambulawan, Tugal, Tumbras, Upper Labas
Pigkawayanâ€â€Balacayon, Banucagon, Bulucaon, Buricain, Central Panaten, Datu Binasing, Datu Mantil, Kadingilan, Libungan Torreta, Lower Baguer, Lower Pangangkalan, Malagkit, Matilac, Midpapan II, Patot, Payong-payong, Simsiman, Tubon, Upper Baguer (Baguer), Upper Pangangkalan
Pikit (all)â€â€Bagoaingud (Bagoinged), Balabak, Balatican, Balong, Balungis, Barungis, Batulawan, Bualan, Buliok, Bulod, Bulol, Calawag, Dalingaoen (Lalingaon), Damalasak, Fort Pikit, Ginatilan, Gligli, Gokoton (Gokotan), Inug-ug, Kabasalan, Kalacacan, Katilacan, Kolambog, Ladtingan, Lagunde, Langayen, Macabual, Macasendeg, Manaulanan, Nabundas, Nalapaan, Nunguan, Paidu Pulangi, Panicupan, Poblacion, Punol, Rajah Muda, Silik, Takipan, Talitay, Tinutulan, Pamalian
President Roxasâ€â€Salat
Tulunanâ€â€Bacong, Daig, Damawato, Dungos, Galidan, Magbok, Popoyon
SULTAN KUDARAT
Bagumbayan (all)â€â€Bai Sarifinang, Biwang, Busok, Chua, Daguma, Daluga, Kabulanan, Kanulay, Kapaya, Kinayao, Masiag, Monteverde, Poblacion, Santo Niño, Sison*, South Sepaka, Sumilil, Titulok, Tuka
Esperanza (all)â€â€Ala, Daladap, Dukay, Guiamalia, Ilian, Kangkong, Margues, New Panay, Numo, Pamantingan, Poblacion, Sagasa, Salabaca, Villamor, Laguinding, Magsaysay, Paitan, Saliao, Salumping
Isulanâ€â€Bual, Lagandang, Laguilayan
Kalamansig (all)â€â€Bantogon (Santa Clara), Cadiz, Datu Ito Andong, Datu Wasay, Dumangas Nuevo, Hinalaan, Limulan, Nalilidan, Obial, Pag-asa, Paril, Poblacion, Sabanal, Sangay, Santa Maria
Lambayong (all)â€â€Caridad (Cuyapon), Didtaras, Gansing (Bilumen), Kabulakan, Kapingkong, Katitisan, Lagao, Lilit, Madanding, Maligaya, Mamali, Matlompong, Midtapok, New Cebu, Palumbi, Pidtiguian, Pimbalayan, Pinguiaman, Poblacion (Lambayong), Sadsalan, Seneben, Sigayan, Tambak, Tinumigues, Tumiao (Tinaga), Udtong
Lebak (all)â€â€Barurao, Barurao II, Basak, Bolebok, Bululawan, Capilan, Christiannuevo, Datu Karon, Kalamongog, Keytodac, Kinodalan, New Calinog, Nuling, Pansud, Pasandalan, Poblacion, Poblacion II, Poblacion III, Poloy-poloy, Purikay, Ragandang, Salaman, Salangsang, Taguisa, Tibpuan, Tran, Villamonte
Lutayan (all)â€â€Antong, Bayasong, Blingkong, Lutayan Proper, Maindang, Mamali, Manili, Sampao, Sisiman, Tamnag (Pob.), Palavilla
Palimbang (all)â€â€Akol, Badiangon, Baliango, Balwan (Bulan), Bambanen, Baranayan, Barongis, Batang-baglas, Butril, Colobe, Domolol, Kabuling, Kalibuhan, Kanipaan, Kidayan, Kiponget, Kisek, Kraan, Kulong-kulong, Langali, Libua, Ligao, Lopoken (Lepolon), Lumitan, Maganao, Maguid, Malatuneng (Malatunol), Malisbong, Medol, Milbuk, Mina, Molon, Namat Masla, Napnapon, Poblacion, San Roque, Tibuhol (East Badiangon), Wal, Wasag
President Quirino (all)â€â€Bagumbayan, Bannawag, Bayawa, C. Mangilala, Estrella, Kalanawe I, Kalanawe II, Katico, Malingon, Mangalen, Pedtubo, Poblacion (Sambulawan), Romualdez, San Jose, San Pedro (Tuato), Sinakulay, Suben, Tinaungan, Tual (Liguasan)
Sen. Ninoy Aquino (all)â€â€Banali, Basag, Buenaflores, Bugso, Buklod, Gapok, Kadi, Kapatagan, Kiadsam, Kuden, Kulaman, Lagubang, Langgal, Limuhay, Malegdeg, Midtungok, Nati
Sewod, Tacupis, Tinalon
PALAWAN
Balabac (all)â€â€Agutayan, Bugsuk (New Cagayancillo), Bancalaan, Indalawan, Catagupan, Malaking Ilog, Mangsee, Melville, Pandanan, Pasig, Rabor, Ramos, Salang, Sebaring, Poblacion I, Poblacion II, Poblacion III, Poblacion IV, Poblacion V, Poblacion VI
Bataraza (all)â€â€Bono-bono, Bulalacao, Buliluyan, Culandanum, Igang-igang, Inogbong, Iwahig, Malihud, Malitub, Marangas (Pob.), Ocayan, Puring, Rio Tuba, Sandoval, Sapa, Sarong, Sumbiling, Tabud, Tagnato, Tagolango, Taratak, Tarusan
I disagree in regards portraying that this MoA has already tied the hands of this President-of-the-Philippines and the future Presidents of Pinas. It sounds dramatic — the exeutive has acted and committed for the nation, its word is its bond — but not true.
Heads of governments renege on promises they have made. And we are talking a Pinas president. It was not that long ago that GMA reneged when she pulled Pinas troops out of Iraq.
Things change — reneging becomes a lot more difficult — when rules of international law become applicable. Then “IT” can become a Guantanamo where International Law prevents a ruling government from reneging on a treaty.
UP n student,
What about the Tripoli agreement? Only Undersecretary Barbero signed the agreement for the GRP. The terms were tentative but Ramos committed to implementing it in 1996.
UP n student,
What about the Tripoli agreement of 1976? Only Undersecretary Barbero signed the agreement for the GRP. The terms were tentative but Ramos committed to implementing it in 1996.
There have been times when a head of a government renege on a promise made. And we are talking of a Pinas president re MOA-AD. It was not that long ago that GMA reneged when she pulled Pinas troops out of Iraq.
There have been times when a head of a government reneged on a promise made. And we are talking of a Pinas president re MOA-AD. It was not that long ago that GMA reneged when she pulled Pinas troops out of Iraq.
If the United States comes out with a message that ‘hails’ the accord, then that probably means we’ve been sold out.
our government and the MILF seem to exist in parallel universes. The government said it was due to sign the agreement on August 5, the MILF said, even before the SC stepped in, that the signing was scheduled for August 25. The President in her SONA said ancestral domain had been settled the night before her speech, the MILF claims the deal was actually concluded on July 16 -and that the signing scheduled in Kuala Lumpur is actually merely a formality.
http://zamboangajournal.blogspot.com/2008/08/muslim-homeland-is-done-deal-milf-says.html
mlq3, that’s very bencardian..
Tonyo Cruz provides the full text of the Supreme Court’s TRO:
http://tonyocruz.com/?p=1045
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, long time peace advocate, has this to say:
The main flaws of the otherwise a very good paradigm are basic which could have been addressed easily by government while negotiating with the MILF. The paramount flaw is the absence or utter lack of consultation of stakeholders, including Christian leaders, indigenous peoples in Mindanao, and peace advocates themselves. This flaw contravenes the very essence of any peace process which is participative of the stakeholders. The participative aspect of any process can NOT be overemphasized since this should lead to a regional and national consensus on the peace formula.
The second flaw is the lack of transparency and thus the lack of accountability in the whole process. It is rather very tragic that a good paradigm is now being “torpedoed†on the basis of fundamentals (consultation and transparency) that could have been easily addressed. The same fundamentals are required in the upcoming negotiations on the Comprehensive Compact (or Final Peace Agreement).
The third flaw is the fact that the government negotiating peace with the MILF is at its lowest ebb. The social capital and the credibility of Government are busted. For a peace process to bring to a successful conclusion will require a very high social capital and credibility that this Government sorely lacks. Government has to do a lot of “sellingâ€Â, “cajoling†and “convincingâ€Â, especially so when the waters the Parties have navigated in coming up with the MOA are deep and little known. For this very reason, Government should have walked the extra mile in making sure that the stakeholders are on board.
http://blogs.gmanews.tv/jun-mercado/archives/17-MOA-Quo-Vadis.html
upn, but there is a penalty even if they do, and when it happens, there are calculations involved. in the case of iraq, it was that domestic opinion trumped overseas commitments, and that angering uncle sam was worth it considering concessions could be made in mindanao while preserving the primary aim of our foreign policy, keeping the middle eastern nations happy so they don’t put the squeeze on our workers.
come to think of it the predicate could be laid down in this manner to pull out of the moa with the milf, and i suppose it also means the milf never seriously considered it possible for the government to live up to the provisions of the agreement. which brings me back to my original assertion that at least for the milf, the document itself is the prize -so long as the government solemnly signs on to it (which the milf says it did on july 16).
but it is also quite possible the government thinks it can still swing the deal.
tanghali nandito tapos sa gabi sinabi kadarating lang galing Malaysia.
must have been sleepy last night .After reading today’s news kagabi pala sya pumuntang KL hindi galing KL
=========================================
If that TRO becomes one of those temporary permanent things ;what if it really is TEMPORARY
Yung nagpapakulo nang settlement sa Mindanao ay ang U.S. Hindi nila alam na ang Hacenderang nasa palasyo ay nag PPR lang para maging pogi sa maga Kano. Baka makalusot ang gusto niya.
Walang walang tiwala ang mag tao kay “Ma’m”
Naghihintay lang ang nasa opsisyon na madulas si “Ma’m”. Naamoy na nila na baka ito na.
This whole mess has obviously been mishandled.
The MILF are riding on the back of the GWOT. They are in the limelight. They know that the Philippine military is incable of a military solution.
The fact is if properly funded and equipped the military could end the problem but who do you hand over the task of reconstruction to after the battle is over. Ang gobeirno mismo ay ang problema.
This is more about economics than religion.
All those glorious promises on the MOA are totally useless.
MLQ3 is right about the MILF. They desperately need some sort of ratification for themselves.
They are not remotely close to the fundamentalists. These guys are sharp and are using this not for an ideology but for economics. Nag ne negosyo yung mga yan.
The Philippines state has let that part of Mindanoao fester for so long.
The issue is simple—- so the fighting stops . what then?????You will build Jollibees all over the place????Thethen the Chinese and Japanese can finish off what ever is left in Mindanao.
The Philippine islands have been left behind by history. The natives still do not know it. By the time they wake up wala nang bansa.
How does one run after history to catch up if you do not where you are?
Gloria Arroyo’s main talent is her ability to betray her allies and still survive. She has been pushing the envelope in terms of how often she can get away with doing this, but it’s hard to believe that she will not eventually hit a limit.
MLQ3,
No one is seriously considering “outright independence” — Let’s make sure we are all clear on that!
Regarding that reported “postponement” of the signing that should have happened today… I’ve posted this on Ding’s blog:
(there was never any postponement?)
Ding,
I’ve been looking at the posts on Luwaran dot com and it seems you may have misinterpreted a typographical error? Here is the August 4, 2008 post on that website:
“In what is considered as the most significant and historic event that ever happened in the annals of the 11-year old GRP-MILF Peace Talks, the MILF has sent some 50 persons including its peace panel, secretariat, technical committee, and representatives of its nominated non-government organizations (NGOs) to the formal signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) in Putrajaya, Selangor, Malaysia August 25.”
I think they meant to put August 5 not August 25. The rest of the post doesn’t talk about any “postponement” at all!
cvj :
UPn, you’re right on that, i’m not exactly a member of GMA’s inner circle. Maybe Bencard will know better.
—————————————————————-
Hanggang ngayon ba naman hindi ka parin makalis alis sa mga ganitong innuedo and kaayabangan style of writing? when will you grow up????
Has anyone made a research on the number of “group of people with the same cultural. historical, religious heritage” who aspired for self-determination and succeeded?
Armenians, Balkans, Pakistanis Bangladeshis, Americans, Georgians, Shiite Muslims, etc.
The list could be very long. My point is are we just trying to postpone the inevitable .
The moment Muslims in Mindanao demanded self-determination, I always belive that “history is on thier side.”
But it doesnt mean I would love the outcome.
But it doesnt mean I would love the outcome.
I would ‘love’ the outcome if they succeed in making their lives better. When the Bosnians fought for independence from Yugoslavia, who were we rooting for? Why were we rooting for them?
This is something that Im trying to find the answer to: Why is it all important that they remain with the north at all costs? I havent really gotten an answer that satisfies. Do we need them? Do they need us? Do we need them more than they need us? DJB I think is putting it in the context of the GWOT. I dont have an opinion on the merits of that line of argument but perhaps you guys can have a go at it.
I would rather we stay whole of course but I wont consider it a terrible tragedy if they split. It’ll be up to the people and not up to whoever is claiming to speak for them. I think their leaders would have to convince their people first that they offer a better alternative to the one in Manila.
Because they’re Filipinos too?
to Jeg: I can name 3 instances which will say INSANE those people who want to be in a geographic entity where the rule of the MILF is dominant. The instances include KFR and beheadings. You can pick the third (a choice is children-soldiers).
Now can anyone name 3 instances which will say BRILLIANT those people who want to be in a geographic entity where the rule of the MILF is dominant? Freedom of religion????
The prime intelligent thing I can see in the MOA-AD is the 75/25 item, which just makes obvious the validity of the statement that Mindanao has been neglected by Malacanang since Cory’s time. The solution is in the 75/25.
For the next 15 to 25 years (at least), that the govt-of-Pinas should commit (with penalties and subject to verification by independent organizations like UN Human rights commission or some respected New York City-based accounting form) to spend 75% of all tax revenue originated from Mindanao solely for the benefit of Mindanao. In the meanwhile, KFR remains illegal and supporters of KFR practitioners are equally guilty and subject to imprisonment. Likewise, actions to intimidate or do harm to Buddhists, atheists, Baptists, Mormons, Aglipays and Hindus because of their religion (or non-religion) remain illegal.
‘Why is it all important that they remain with the north at all costs? ‘
So the Philippines will not become another Yugoslavia.
Why is it all important that they remain with the north at all costs? – Jeg
Any self-respecting government must exert its all-oout best efforts to preserve and maintain the State’s present community of peoples, territorial integrity and effective control as handed down by our founding fathers and enshrined in the Constitution, history, and the country’s traditions.
This State preservation must be accomplished by the government if the country is to maintain the respect of its own people and the the community of nations.
In the same way that we are not sure of the true desires of the people in Mindanao for self-determination, we don’t know the the real feeling of people in Luzon and Visayas. And that’s where government must err on the side of caution.
As CVJ rightly stated because we are all Filipinos. The people in Luzon and Visayas, as citizens of the Republic, have as much rights in Mindanao as those claiming to have ancestral domain. This reality was forged when the Philippines nation-state was formed. We have to live with conventions of modern statehood.
After all has been said and done, and Mindanao or parts of it still want out of the Republic, then we could part ways for the greater good of the people.
Yes indeed, out of all the elements of a State, its the people who really matter. Not the territory, nor the government, nor effective control.
‘Why is it all important that they remain with the north at all costs? ‘
Sabah claim
Why is it all important that they remain with the north at all costs? ‘
Spratlys
So US ambassador Kenney is on a man-to-man guarding of Esperon in Malaysia making sure that no glitch occur to the signing of this MOA.
Billy Esposo might have a crystal ball after all, hmmmm.
‘Why is it all important that they remain with the north at all costs? ‘
Sulu Sea
If the US is that interested to see the signing of this MOA then it’s safe to say at this stage that it should be considered a done deal notwithstanding any Supreme Court decision.
Hwag lang isama CHA-CHA! Ibang usapan na iyon. ”di ba, anthony?
“I think their leaders would have to convince their people first that they offer a better alternative to the one in Manila.”
Frankly, the Mindanaons don’t need Manila. I came from Mindanao. My distant uncle Ruben Canoy along with Pimentel, Adaza and Misuari proposed a Mindanao state a long time ago. But majority rules, so Mindanao cannot seceede without the approval of Filipinos from other parts of the country. But Misuari proved that you can only negotiate by guns. And so we came to the present time where MILF is using the same formula.
Look at it this way, the Supreme Court TRO on MOA-AD has no effect on the territories controlled by MILF. Manila is powerless to enforce anything. Hence, President Arroyo took the pragmatic approach on power sharing with state under state concept.
“So the Philippines will not become another Yugoslavia”
Of the 36 ranking military officers from Mindanao who were with FBI training recently, all of them believed that there will be no war between Christians and Muslims. The MILF had defined their territories under MOA-AD. Philippine military will not attempt any incursions.
UP n student,
From INQ
Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, told reporters by phone from his base in Mindanao that the MoA became binding when it was initialed by the two sides on July 27 and Tuesday’s aborted ceremony in Malaysia was merely a formality.
“Our official position is that the agreement on ancestral domain has been signed, so it’s a done deal,†Jaafar said.
d0d0ng: why would anyone want to live under legal supervision of the MILF? Other than the right to bear arms (AK47’s or M16’s or Berettas), what else? Women’s rights? Freedom of religion?
dOdOng,
‘Manila is powerless to enforce anything’
And the MILF/BJE is powerful? How will the MILF deal with the following?
1)China
2)Filipino refugees in Sabah deported wholesale by Malaysia
3)Islamic fundamentalist
4)Sabah claim
Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, told reporters by phone from his base in Mindanao that the MoA became binding when it was initialed by the two sides on July 27 and Tuesday’s aborted ceremony in Malaysia was merely a formality.
“Our official position is that the agreement on ancestral domain has been signed, so it’s a done deal,†Jaafar said. – INQ (Italics mine)
During SONA 2008 (Delivered July 28, 2008) GMA said:
“The prime reason is the endless Mindanao conflict. A comprehensive peace has eluded us for half a century. But last night, differences on the tough issue of ancestral domain were resolved. Yes, there are political dynamics among the people of Mindanao. Let us sort them out with the utmost sobriety, patience and restraint. I ask Congress to act on the legislative and political reforms that will lead to a just and lasting peace during our term of office.” (Italics mine)
OK, “done deal.” Now, what?
UPn, the MILF is the military force but the government will be under BJE, a parallel civilian office. Christians will become minority in a predominant Muslim BJE areas but can co exist just as in Malaysia.
Before the arrival of Magellan, Mindanaons are Malays under Muslim rule. Of course, it is difficult now for predominantly Christians to submit under BJE under the expanded territory even with the very lucrative enticement of 75% revenue. Hence, the momentum for the rest of the country to change the charter to get a similar revenue sharing.
d0d0ng: you did not answer my question, and are you saying that Mindanawans should welcome the MOA-AD with songs and flowers because the MILF-of-beheading plus “board-and-lodging” revenue-generation fame will be the military force? Surigao rejected ARMM, did it not?
Supremo, Manila is powerless to enforce anything in the MILF territories. But given the time to pursue and develop its own ancestral domain, BJE can assert on its own as it was able to demonstrate that its military force, the MILF, is something to reckon with.
UPn, to answer your question predominantly Christians in other parts of Mindanao will not vote for BJE and become part of it. But they welcome the development of BJE so they can go for charter change that will provide similar revenue incentive, which has been the cause of Mindanao Alliance before.
hvrds,
Do you have any solution to the problems the Philippines is currently facing? All you are doing is whining non-stop! Gees!
You’re obviously a die-hard anti-American guy/gal, whatever/whoever you are! Are you one of those Filipinos who applied for a US Visa and was denied? Just wondering? Or perhaps, you’re of those Filipino communists. There are over four million of us Filipino-Americans in the US who love both America and the Philippines. Any quesion, Mr/Ms. Whiner?
dOdOng,
‘Before the arrival of Magellan, Mindanaons are Malays under Muslim rule.’
Don’t forget the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit based in eastern Java from 1293 to around 1500 that ruled over the Sultanate of Sulu?
Because of GMA, we have become an insecure nation in realpolitik sense.
Supremo, so Mindanaons have been with different influences and have their money go somewhere else like right now going to Manila. MILF/BJE had been saying that is enough of imperial Manila. I’ll just give you 25% instead of taking everything.
mlq3, re your statement that the executive has “already tied the hands of posterity”, perhaps it bears repeating here that the executive is NOT the government. public officers can only act within the parameters of, and in accordance with, law. an unconstitutional or illegal act of any such officer, including the president, is void and without legal effect.
“mlq3, re your statement that the executive has “already tied the hands of posterityâ€Â, perhaps it bears repeating here that the executive is NOT the government. public officers can only act within the parameters of, and in accordance with, law. an unconstitutional or illegal act of any such officer, including the president, is void and without legal effect.”
Great example of reality banging up against the theory on how things are supposed to work.
Bangsamoro Land for Sale… Cash Only 30% discount for Christians and 50% Discount for Muslims… ouch.
Beware the rise of the crazies. One of the most important lessons to be learned from the partition of Pakistan and India is this.
Today India has the worlds second largest population of Muslims.
Gandhi proposed that Ali Jinnah lead the new nation that was to be India. To break off based on religion was nuts.
On both sides there were extremists. The signals of the divide at the top filtered down just when the British were lossening control of their grip on the entire sub-continent. Transition in the midst of tensions (economic and political) is dangerous.
The scene was set for a fire to break out based on the religious divide. Rioting and communal warfare broke out.
Just look at the state of the political institutions of the Phils. The top is isolating itself and is governing with checkbook governance.
There are extreme economic pressures on the ground.
The CA is in the midst of a serious question as to its institutional integrity.
Maybe the tiger is growing old and long on the tooth.
There is no way the country will allow GMA to tinker with the constitution on her watch.
But the problem is this. Can the whole thing hold out till 2010.
Be careful of the unintended consequences.
She is not only a lame duck but a seriously wounded lame duck mostly inflicted by herself.
“mlq3, re your statement that the executive has “already tied the hands of posterityâ€Â, perhaps it bears repeating here that the executive is NOT the government. public officers can only act within the parameters of, and in accordance with, law. an unconstitutional or illegal act of any such officer, including the president, is void and without legal effect. ..Ben
“Great example of reality banging up against the theory on how things are supposed to work.”……HVRDS
Thumbs up to that, HVRDS
As I have said several times before, this is the Balkanization of RP. This maybe the long sought “legacy ” of GMA.