PHL chief negotiator emphasizes ‘working relationship’ in MILF peace talks

The Philippine government stressed the importance of a “clear working relationship with the national government” in pushing for autonomy during the resumption of the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur Monday.   In his opening statement during the 24th formal exploratory talks, government panel chair Marvic Leonen said no autonomy would be genuine unless there is a working relationship with the national government in many aspects.   “National government is relevant.  This is clear even in the document of the MILF, the proposed Revised Comprehensive Compact. It certainly takes prominence in our own proposals,” he said.   The MILF earlier asked for a creation of a “sub-state” in the southern Philippines in lieu of a separate Islamic state.                                                                                           Leonen said it is also clear that any autonomous relationship should include the equitable sharing of wealth and the generation of revenues to make the autonomous government credible in producing opportunities for its people in an environmentally sustainable manner as well as allow the national government to provide the kind of assistance that should be expected of it.                                     “We know we share with you this vision and that much of what we need to discuss would be how to get there and how this new political rearrangement would look like,” he said.   He affirmed that the Philippines will benefit from a region of Bangsamoro peoples that is not only autonomous but also one where the principles of good and effective governance are in place.   “We all stand to benefit from an autonomous government that can be democratically elected in free, clean and honest elections ensured by security forces that are neutral from political interests and a vibrant and assertive civil society,” he said.   Real choices It is understood that elections can be relevant only when there are real choices between sincere and capable political parties who offer principled leaders, according to the chief government negotiator.   “In a democratic set up, at minimum, electoral exercises provide the mandate and ensure that we truly have a fighting chance of allowing the governed to actively participate and hold our leaders to account,” he said.   Leonen iterated the Aquino administration wants to see the solution to the Bangsamoro question in motion when it leaves office in 2016.   “This means that we should both meet the challenge of crafting an agreement soon enough, so that it could be implemented and then assessed and then adjusted before the next term of the next President of the Republic,” he said.   The golden opportunity to craft such an agreement is the first quarter of this year, Leonen noted.   “Our standing instructions from our President are to work earnestly and with due and deliberate dispatch careful to consult all constituents that we also represent along the way. We think that this is possible.  Share with us this vision.  Within this first quarter, let us attempt to craft an agreement,” he said.   Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed was optimistic that both parties will be able to reach an agreement.   “I hope that the coming of the New Year will move into the conclusion of this negotiation to a final solution to the Bangsamoro problem,” he said. New negotiators   During the opening ceremonies, the government panel formally transmitted the appointment papers of new panel members.   Leonen named Dr. Hamid Barra and Yasmin Busran-Lao as permanent members of the government peace panel. Both joined the last round of formal talks last December as consultants.   Lao was a defeated senatorial candidate of the Liberal Party in the May 2010 elections.   “With the two additional members of our panel, we now have a complete panel of five,” he said.   Barra takes the place of Mayor Ramon Piang who now serves as an alternate member in view of his duties as the mayor of Upi, Maguindanao.   The other panel members include former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani and Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer. — VS, GMA News