Earlier today, Ambassador Villa postponed his lecture and provided our class instead with copies of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the establishment of a Bangsamoro juridical entity (BJE). The class spent an hour and a half reading and analyzing the agreement.
I’m not a law student. I can’t claim to be good at dissecting legal documents. But I know enough to say that the approval of this MOA- how I pray it won’t happen- will be the most disastrous event that will ever happen to this country.
The Bangsamoro juridical entity the agreement is trying to create will have almost all the elements of a state. It will have its own form of government, basic laws, civil service, educational system, banking and financial system, an internal security force and- hold your breathe- the authority to enter into trade and other economic agreements with other countries and the right to be represented, within the frameworks of the Philippine foreign service, in international organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the specialized organizations of the United Nations.
Further, the BJE will have a definite territory, with its own “internal waters” under its control and “territorial waters” under joint control of the BJE and the central government. This territory will include parts of Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago and Palawan. Its resources will be shared by the BJE and Manila 75%-25% in favor of the former.
Finally and more importantly, the agreement recognizes the Moros as a “distinct dominant people” with an inherent right to rule over the territories previously held by the ancient sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao- including territories that are now inhabited by Christians and other non-Muslim Filipinos.
So what are the implications of these provisions?
Since the MILF, which is more radical and religious than the secular MNLF, will get to dominate the BJE, I can see the entity promulgating laws that are undemocratic and biased against non-Muslims.
Since the MILF aims to “preserve the Moro identity for posterity”, I can expect that the schools in the BJE will teach children that they are not Filipinos, but rather oppressed people who should pursue the “struggle” for freedom and independence. Their schools would surely do away with studies about Jose Rizal and patriotism. They might not even teach the national language. Heck, they might even adopt the Sharia-based educational system, which will be highly detrimental to non-Muslim and moderate Muslim residents of Mindanao.
Since the MILF is committed ultimately to the “liberation” of the Moros, I can expect them to use the revenues from Mindanao’s natural resources to strengthen their “internal security force” and use their diplomatic representation in the ASEAN and trade ties with other countries to pursue their movement for independence.
And finally, since recognizing the Moros as a “distinct dominant people” is tantamount to saying that the Moros are not Filipinos, the Republic will effectively lose its fundamental and moral reason to keep the Bangsamoro juridical entity under the Philippine flag. Indeed, if the Moros are distinct people, why not grant them their right to self-determination?
And self-determination could very well be joining the Federation of Malaysia or declaring outright independence, which, given the wide powers of the BJE and its ability to control the mind of its population through educational revision, will not be far-fetched if this MOA is approved.
What we are seeing in this MOA, therefore, is the territorial fragmentation of the Philippines!
Like everybody else, I am in favor of peace in Mindanao. But not at the expense of the Republic’s territorial integrity. Indeed, I can’t see any reason why the government, after signing a deal with the MNLF in the late 1990s, needs to sign another one with another rebel group. What if after this deal another rebellion breaks out? Will the government then strike another deal and cave in to more concessions?
It could have been okay had this been the genuine wish of the people of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan. But those people have rejected greater autonomy, much less independence, thrice in plebiscites! In fact, tens of thousands- including Muslim leaders and the heirs of the ancient sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao- are even protesting the creation of the BJE in those areas.
The MILF does not represent the people of Mindanao. Based on protes actions I’ve been seeing and reading in the media, the people there don’t want to create tensions between Muslims and Christians in Mindanao, who have been peacefully co-existing in the area for years. They don’t want a “homeland” that discriminates against non-Muslims. Indeed, they only want a single homeland- one that protects the people’s rights regardless of their religion- and that is called the Republic of the Philippines.
Why then is Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pursuing this treasonous agreement?
Because the creation of BJE would require a constitutional amendment, the process of which could give her an opening to pursue change in the country’s form of government, which could then provide her enough space to maneuver towards staying in power beyond 2010?
Holy fuck. This woman stole the presidency twice. She looted the nation’s coffers, murdered many, bastardized our laws and institutions, sold our territories to foreigners. Now, she wants to Balkanize the country just so she can stay in power?
Enough is enough. We should, for the sake of sanity, get rid of this bitch already.
Hi JJ I like this post, as a muslim, I agree that religion should live within its adherent, and obviously no need to institutionalize it, because it’s very personal. In Indonesian case, I’m also little bit anxious that now it seems there are some political parties and radical religious groups call to uphold Sharia in some areas which means against our Indonesian constitution, and I hope that they can’t get people’s voice in the next general election in 2009. Once again, what I want to say is that Islam is a religion not an organization.
Posted by Wazeen at August 6, 2008, 6:44 pmJ, I don’t think the Senate would go forward with this MOA. We heard them talk it over in the Session Hall with Sen. Gordon and Sen. Zubiri. The Republic can’t just give in to the MILF’s whims.
The way I see it, both the MILF and Gloria have been collaborating, both aware of each one’s needs. Wow.
A great game of tag.
PS.
Link mo yung blogsite ko J.
Please.
^_^
“…get rid of this bitch already”
hahahahahahahhahah. alamo, madalas, nagsskip ako sa pagbabasa ng entry mo. sa hulihan na talaga. serious comedy kasi lagi ang mga huling hirit mo. hehehehhe.
Lee Angelo: double red alert for what?
Wazeen: yes, I agree with you totally. That’s why I hate it when the Catholic church here interferes with government policies. I can understand Indonesia’s case. That gives you more reason to vote for the best party that can run your country next year.
carlo: Good to hear that the senators are still thinking. I get a feeling that Congress, as a whole, will not go ahead with this MOA. But if the provisions of this MOA don’t materialize, the MILF can say that the Manila government negotiated in bad faith, which will give them reason to declare outright independence.
Malaysia is obviously bias for them. Which makes it highly probable recognize an MILF declaration of independence. For some reasons, the US ambassador had been meeting with MILF leaders even before this MOA came out and has been spending time in Mindanao. Does that mean the US supports MILF too? This is dangerous. Because if Malaysia and the US supports a declaration of independence by MILF, then we will see a new Kosovo. I’ll talk about this later in another post.
grace: LOL thanks.
Posted by J at August 7, 2008, 9:11 amLee Angelo: maybe Gloria is trying to create tensions in Mindanao and chaos in the whole country so she can have reasons to declare martial law?
carlo: Your blog has been in my blogroll since time immemoria
Posted by J at August 7, 2008, 9:12 amHehehe. GMA is small, but terrible.
I say that in a negative context.
By the way, in the Senate, we heard that both sides, the MILF and the Republic are both tired of the fighting and they really want to end this thing once and for all.
I mean, isn’t autonomy enough?
What’s needed in this here situation is brilliant maneuvering strategies (that which I don’t have) for the negotiators.
Uhmm… All-out-war anyone??
Posted by carlo at August 7, 2008, 12:04 pmcarlo: why should the Republic negotiate with the secessionist from a position of weakness?
As I said, why should the Republic negotiate a deal with the MILF when it already struck a deal with the MNLF? What if another rebellious group props out after the MILF is pacified? Will the Republic strike another deal again?
Posted by J at August 7, 2008, 11:20 pmthis is all too political in nature.
baka naman dumating ang panahon that we will need to apply for passport just to go to mindanao.
Posted by hector_olympus at August 8, 2008, 3:08 pmMy God.
I came back to Philippines to find this country in as dire a mess as this one.
Which shouldn’t be surprising, truth be told. I just happen to find it very discouraging. -_-
Posted by Nightdreamer at August 9, 2008, 7:42 amIt’s more than just getting a passport to Mindanao, it’s the dismemberment of the Philippines.
Posted by carlo at August 9, 2008, 9:06 am“maybe Gloria is trying to create tensions in Mindanao and chaos in the whole country so she can have reasons to declare martial law?” -this one’s not far from impossible. As we all know, GMA is willing to do everything (as we’ve all proven by her past actions) just to be in power.
While other countries are busy with economic growth and educating their youth, our country is destabilizing its own (assuming that this is true).
Posted by Lee Angelo at August 9, 2008, 4:18 pmYeah. Senator Gordon said in the interpolation that GMA’s shaking in her knees trying to push forward with the MOA. That tiny coward.
Posted by carlo at August 10, 2008, 12:33 amhector: yes, if we are no as vigilant.
Nightdreamer: not just discouraging. It makes my blood boil.
Lee Angelo: This IS true. I’ll give you a copy of the MOA when we meet. It will cost you just a mocha frappe venti. Martial law under the present constitution is very limited and toothless, but yes, chaos could give GMA reason to launch a coup t stay in power. Quite far-fetched though. Best bet is for her to count on the ChaCha train.
carlo: no leader with a dismal approval rating can push forward such a deal.
Posted by J at August 10, 2008, 1:24 amJ, enge din akong copy. Paphotocopy naman ako when we meet.
I don’t want the Philippines to be dismembered..
She looks so hot with three big islands..
T_T
Posted by carlo at August 10, 2008, 12:56 pmCopy that, carlo.
Posted by J at August 10, 2008, 2:38 pmYou are still young and you are already showing that you are a bigot. And you are really not that smart because your writings show lack of research. You should read more books. The country is not unique in having an Ethnic Conflict. It’s a pity because you are studying international relations and you look smug in your picture as if you know everything but you know nothing. Start a blog when you have a PhD otherwise you really are just a nut case.
Posted by damian at August 11, 2008, 11:28 pmMy dearest”damian”:
Please, I don’t have a PhD so I’m confused with your smart comment.
Where and how did I show bigotry in this post?
Which part of the post is based on false information?
Which part of this post did I say that the country is unique in having an ethnic conflict (ethnic conflict, by the way, should not be capitalized as it isn’t a proper noun.)
And finally, since when did a PhD become a requirement in setting up a blog?
Elaborate on your comments first, buddy. Because, frankly, you’re making a complete ass out of yourself.
Posted by J at August 12, 2008, 12:29 amWow! Ang mahal naman, shame!
I see another Nutbox-hater..too bad for him/her/it. Oh, I also don’t have a PhD.. Maybe he/she/it has one.
Posted by Lee Angelo at August 12, 2008, 3:42 amThis ‘damian’ guy could be four things:
1) a crab. He/she/it must be a PhD who wasn’t able to anlyze what was going on, namely, in terms of the BJE and the balkanization of the Philippines. A guy who thought to himself “I knew that.”,
2) an agent of GMA (ingat ka J.-_-_),
3) a guy who roots that the BJE should push through,
or,
4) one of your professors.
^_^
Posted by shamisen at August 12, 2008, 6:28 amThe world is waiting for the three new republics to be born. I very much welcome the creation of the Capampangan Republic, Visayas Republic, and Bangsa Moro Islamic Republic.
Posted by Freedom Fighter at November 3, 2008, 3:29 pmDream on, Freedom Fighter
Posted by J at November 3, 2008, 3:31 pm21 years old. Hates household chores. Loves books and booze. Click here to know more.
Twitter: @the_nutbox
(Since September 12, 2007)
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Thank you very much ma’am! I sent you an e-mail po. 
hope to hear from you soon
hello jj. the incident involving your mom was forwarded to my email by ms. ellen tordesillas, columnist of malaya. immediately upon receiving it, i gave it to my boss, CHR Chairperson Leila De Lima for immediate action.She immediately formed a team to investigate the incident and i would like you to know that one of our investigators, mr. jun nalangan is handling your case. he just wish to ask additional details from you, if it is possible, he can be contacted at the chr-ncr thru phone number 9287098. we would definitely like to be of help to your mom and to those who may experience the same nightmare in the future po. btw my landline po is 9285792, i am the head of the media unit of the commission on human rights, tnx a lot po
Thanks Sir Gerry!
Great post JJ! Quick comment: As of the present time there’s a double red-alert in Zamboanga City according to my friend. I checked over the net, but there’s no news yet.
Posted by Lee Angelo at August 6, 2008, 5:41 pm