ARMM polls in 2013 to push through despite govt-MILF pact for replacement

The framework agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front for an entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will not render moot the election of officials for the ARMM in 2013.

 

Government peace panel member Miriam Ferrer stressed this Monday as she said the transition from the ARMM to "Bangsamoro" may take years.

 

"Matutuloy ang election dahil hindi naman basta-basta ito mangyayari... Bago magawa yan, kailangan mo ng batas na siyang magpapalit sa ARMM at magbibigay kapangyarihan para itayo ang Bangsamoro entity. So yan ang unang hakbang diyan, kaya sa kasunduan tatayo ng transitional commission, na magpapaninmula ng proseso ng pag-draft ng bill," Ferrer said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

However, she said there is a possibility the terms of the winners in the ARMM elections may be cut if the transition is completed before 2016. The ARMM polls, originally scheduled August last year had been synchronized with next year's midterm elections.

 

Ferrer also stressed the government peace panel's work is by no means over with the framework agreement.

 

"Ay hindi pa. Ang ating tinapos kahapon [Sunday] ay pagbuo ng framework agreement at gaya ng usapan, ipakikita ito sa publiko, sa Presidente at kanilang mga kasama at sa publiko at magtatakda tayo ng petsa kung saan malalagdaan ang framework agreement na ito," she said.

 

On Sunday, President Benigno Aquino III announced a framework agreement between the government and MILF panels to replace ARMM with Bangsamoro.

 

Aquino called the ARMM a "failed experiment" that produced warlords who committed abuses and left the people poor.

 

Ferrer said the agreement calls for a Bangsamoro entity that allows a ministerial form of government.

 

But the national government will still administer powers such as foreign affairs and defense.

 

Under the ministerial form of government, the people elect their officials via an assembly similar to a Parliament that elects the chief minister.

 

No change in currency

 

Meanwhile, Ferrer also said there will be no new currency for the proposed Bangsamoro entity, saying the national government will administer coinage and monetary policy.

 

"Hindi sila ibang bansa. Kabahagi pa rin sila ng Pilipinas (It will not be a separate country. It will still be part of the Philippines)," she said. — RSJ, GMA News