Negotiating with the MILF was a big mistake. Resuming talks with it would a graver one. If MILF does not get what it wants, there will be trouble. The bloodshed that followed the SC order suspending the signing of the MOA-AD is an example. If it gets its demand, there will be an even greater trouble. Would the residents of the ceded area allow themselves to be governed by MILF? Imagine the power struggle that would most likely ensue! Lesson: let not any bandit group browbeat us into submission.

What is the solution? Vigorous implemention of Republic Act No. 8371, also known as “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997,” the State recognizes and promotes certain rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) within the framework of the Constitution. If Tausogs, Manobos, T’bolis, Dumagats, Mangyans, agtas, and other ethnic groups are given title to the lands that are rightfully theirs, would they still join any armed group demanding rights to ancestral domains? Land ownership is tribal, not religious. Let it be that way.

Decentralization thru legislation, not cha-cha

Sen. Pimentel dangles a 20/80 formula to gain adherents from the LGU's, in particular, to his bid for federalism. Why does he promise a pie by and by when we can have it NOW? If he is really sincere about decentralization, why doesn't he bat for it NOW. The present Constitution allows it. Why go through a circuitous and uncertain route called cha-cha? I think it's all just a problem of legislation. He probably knows that such a proposal would never reach first base in Congress. But what makes him think that both Houses would have a change of heart if constituted as a con-ass? There, he would need as much support as he can from the LGU's without which his proposal would fail. As is true NOW. So, why wait for a con-ass? Why not rally that support NOW? The urgency of the situation calls for it.