by Rene V. Carbayas
ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 22 (PIA) – Emphasizing
that the peace negotiations is conducted within the framework of the
Constitution, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen
pointed out that agreeing to create a new political autonomous entity is
allowed as stated in the Constitution.
Speaking before representatives of the civil
society, business groups, security sector and the media during a consultation
held at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City recently, Leonen cited Article
10, Section 15 to 22.
He said that Section 15 stated that “there
shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao…(in) areas sharing
common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social
structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this
Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of
the Republic of the Philippines.”
“In the national politics, there will always
be a minority whose views and concerns cannot be always accommodated because
they could never become a majority. Thus, the only way to guarantee a level of
democracy is allow them to govern in one region, but still remain in the entire
Republic of the Philippines,” he explained.
Leonen, however, stressed that they are
exercising “due diligence” in negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) as issues are expected to become more difficult on the peace
table.
The panel chair said that the government is
carefully examining substantive issues particularly those of legal concern,
such as the creation of a new political autonomous entity that will replace the
current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as well as power-sharing and
wealth-sharing that are contained in the Decision Points on Principles signed
by both parties during the 27th formal exploratory talks held in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia on April.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Teresita Quintos Deles joined Leonen in the Zamboanga consultation to explain
the GPH-MILF Decision Points on Principles which contains 10 common standpoints
mutually identified by both parties to serve as a framework for the final peace
agreement.
In her message, Deles underscored that the
government fully recognizes the concerns of the people. “That’s why we are
here. The panel conducts consultations in order to directly listen to the views
of the public,” she added.
On the same note, Leonen said that the GPH
panel “takes to heart the concerns” of the people and consider them on the
negotiating table.
He related that the panel has already
conducted more than 70 consultations and a survey on the pulse of different
sectors in the south.
Leonen said that “consultation means
listening earnestly, trying to understand the points raised by various sectors,
and reflecting it as best as we can in order for persons making the political
decision (from the different branches of government) to be properly informed.”