A Mindanao-based Catholic bishop is wary over the reported proposed establishment of a Bangsamoro sub-state in Mindanao.
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said he is wary of the proposal as it is within the context of the memorandum on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) the Supreme Court junked in 2008.
“If the provisions and components of the 'sub-state' are that of the MOA-AD, then, there are reasons to be apprehensive on this issue," said Jumoad, in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.
Jumoad called on the Benigno Aquino III administration and the MILF to avoid a repeat of the problems that surrounded the MOA-AD.
He stressed that there should be transparency in the negotiations.
“This issue must be discussed and brought to the village-level. Consultations must be exhaustive and should not be done in a hurry because a small mistake may result in a life-long regret," he said.
On Thursday, former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol questioned the government's negotiating with the MILF over the supposed sub-state.
Earlier reports indicated MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal admitted that the establishment of a Bangsamoro sub-state was a “re-frame" of the MOA-AD.
The Supreme Court in 2008 rejected the MOA-AD as unconstitutional, triggering several attacks on some parts of Mindanao by so-called MILF "rogue" commanders.
Piñol said it is unacceptable how a controversial agreement is now being used to pave the way for a new peace pact with the MILF.
Bishops seek transparency
Although they "trust" President Aquino did not do anything "prejudicial to Christians," Catholic bishops still urged him to disclose the details of his talks with MILF officials in Japan last week.
Bishops Pedro Arigo (Puerto Princesa) and Dinualdo Gutierrez (Marbel) said the people are entitled to know what transpired during the meeting.
“We can trust President Aquino, but it is good to ask for transparency," Arigo said in an interview on Church-run Radio Veritas.
Excerpts of the interview were posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.
For his part, Gutierrez called for vigilance, saying, “Agreements should not be done in secret. The public should be told about it."
Malacañang had insisted there was no agreement forged during the "secret" meeting in Japan last August 4.
Palace officials also insisted the meeting was an attempt to kick-start the peace talks.
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, who chairs the CBCP Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue, also insisted on transparency even if he agreed that the meeting in Japan was one step to advance the Mindanao peace negotiations. — LBG, GMA News
bat kaya napakapakialamero ng CBCP..anu ba sila..pari o politiko???
