Gov’t, MILF fail to agree on wealth, power sharing

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) failed again to agree on major issues, particularly on wealth and power-sharing in the proposed Bangsamoro basic law when they ended a 10-day workshop at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao City yesterday.

Sources said the constitutionality of provisions on wealth and power-sharing, as well as other ‘difficult’ issues like judiciary, policing and transportation and communication, has remained as stumbling blocks.

However, chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said they have agreed  on substantial portions of the proposed law.

They have developed a shared understanding of the remaining challenges and unsettled issues, which they will bring back to their principals for further guidance, they added.

They reiterated their commitment to finish an agreed draft by Aug. 18  to enable the Office of the President to submit it to Congress as soon as possible.

Ferrer said they will come up with a mechanism to pave the way for them to bring the unresolved issues to President Aquino and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim.

The government and the MILF are optimistic on reaching a consensus on the remaining thorny provisions in another 10-day negotiation to begin on Aug. 18.

Speaking over Catholic radio station dxMS yesterday, Ferrer said both sides had resolved some of the misunderstandings on the contents of the preamble and other “basic articles” during their initial meeting.

“The two panels will present and discuss what had been accomplished in that meeting with their respective principals,” she said.

Ferrer said the government and MILF panels have agreed to continue reconciling each other’s position on other important provisions, particularly those pertaining to transition concerns, the structure of the Bangsamoro entity and its supposed relationship with the national government.

They still need to iron out articles on fund grants for the proposed Bangsamoro political entity and the annual budget needed for its operation, she added.

Iqbal said the MILF remains steadfast that only by means of peaceful negotiation can both parties solve the Mindanao Moro issue.

“The only option is peaceful negotiation, one leading to lasting peace in the homeland,” he said.

Presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles has called on stakeholders to continue backing the peace process.  – With John Unson, Roel Pareño, Perseus Echeminada, Jose Rodel Clapano