spot_img
27.6 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

Misuari, Du30 agree to form panel to study federalism

- Advertisement -

President Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari have agreed to form a panel that will study how federalism can be adopted in Mindanao during a meeting at the Palace Tuesday evening.

“He told me, ‘I want federalism.’ And I told him, ‘Don’t forget federalism must be passed by Congress,’” Duterte said on Wednesday.

“Misuari told me, ‘If you do not give it to me, let me be very honest, I will go to war.’ I told him I understand. What we can do is let’s form a panel, because we have to inform the people and we do not negotiate secretly here. Day-to-day, the public will be briefed on the outcome on how you want to apply the federal system and whether it will be similar to the Bangsamoro Organic Law or a different type,” the President added.

In a huddle
IN A HUDDLE. President Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari swap pleasantries prior to a formal meeting at the Malacañan Palace on March 19. Presidential Photo

Also present during the meeting at the Palace were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. Misuari has just arrived to the country after attending several conferences abroad.

Earlier this month, Duterte said he talked to the police, military and the court to allow Misuari to travel abroad, raising questions on whether the President’s action can be considered interference with the affairs of the judiciary, a co-equal branch of government.

- Advertisement -

But Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo denied that it was Duterte himself who made arrangements with the Sandiganbayan justices, saying that someone may have communicated the President’s position to the court.

Misuari has been charged with malversation for the alleged anomalous procurement of textbooks when he was still governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Aside from malversation charges, Misuari is also facing rebellion charges and violation of international humanitarian law over a 20-day attack in Zamboanga City in 2013, which led to the deaths of over 200 people and displacement thousands of residents in the area.

The Pasig City court handling the case however has put on hold the trial and implementation of the arrest warrant against Misuari in late 2016 to allow him to participate in the peace process.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles