Duterte says Nur Misuari threatened war if federalism will not push through

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chats with Moro National Liberation Front Founding Chairman Nur Misuari at a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on March 19, 2019. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

A war might be waged by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari if the country does not shift to a federal system of government, President Rodrigo Duterte revealed on Wednesday, March 20.

“Sabi ni Misuari kagabi (Misuari said last night), ‘If you do not give it to me, let me be very honest: I will go to war,'” the President said in his speech during the campaign rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Marikina City.

“Sabi ko (I said), I understand that Nur. So ganito na lang gawin natin (here is what we will do). Let’s form a panel because we have to inform the people. We cannot negotiate secretly here. Sabi ko, para day-to-day they will be briefed kung ano ang outcome — how gusto mong ma-apply ‘yang federal system na gusto mo. Kagaya ba ng B — ‘yung BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) o a different type (I said the public should be briefed day-to-day on whatever is the outcome — how would you want to apply the federal system? Will it be like the Bangsamoro Organic Law or a different type)?” he added.

Duterte and Misuari met anew in Malacañang on Tuesday night. The Palace released photos of the two during a meeting which was also attended by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez, Jr. and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.

In their discussion, the Chief Executive said Misuari and the Moros are standing firm on their desire to have a federal form of government, saying that it was the promise to them by former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

“Nakipag-usap siya kay (She talked with) Misuari. She promised a federal system. Iyan ang inaasahan ng mga Moro (That is what Moros are expecting),” he said.

The President then reminded the MNLF chair that the proposed shift to a federal system needs the approval of the Congress for it to push through.

Voting 224-22-3 last December, the House of Representatives passed on the third and final reading Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 15, principally authored by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, that seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution for the creation of a federal government.

But while the lower house voted in favor of it, the Senate, on the other hand, said they have ‘no more time’ to tackle federalism under the 17th Congress.