Soguda Buayan Cluster – Tensions are escalating between the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. regarding the appointment process for members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). The dispute revolves around provisions in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and the presidential powers granted by the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
MILF’s Role in Endorsing BTA Members.
Under the CAB, the MILF has the authority to endorse 50% + 1 of the total number of BTA members. With the current 80-member composition of the BTA, the MILF has the right to endorse at least 41 members. Meanwhile, the remaining 39 positions are under the authority of the administration, which can select representatives from various sectors, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), traditional Moro leaders, women, youth, and other groups.
Although the President has the final authority to officially appoint all 80 BTA members, the MILF insists that their exclusive right to endorse the majority must be respected. However, recent reports suggest that some appointees were not from the MILF-endorsed list, leading to tensions between the MILF and Malacañang.
The MILF has also expressed deep concern over what they see as Malacañang’s gradual violation of the agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro fronts. They argue that continued disregard for these agreements could undermine the trust of the Bangsamoro people in the government and the peace process as a whole.
The Marcos Administration’s Stance on Presidential Appointment Powers
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the President has broad authority over government appointments, including those in autonomous regions like BARMM.
Malacañang maintains that presidential appointments are part of the President’s prerogative to ensure a balanced and inclusive governance structure in BARMM. Government officials argue that while the MILF is a key stakeholder, it should not have sole control over appointments, as other sectors in the Bangsamoro region also deserve representation.
Concerns Over the Stability of the Peace Process
The MILF has warned that failing to uphold the agreed-upon mechanisms in the CAB and BOL could erode trust in the peace process. Some Bangsamoro leaders fear that unilateral appointments by Malacañang could lead to divisions among different sectors in BARMM and the national government.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the peace process. However, OPAPRU officials also emphasized that BARMM’s transition period should prepare the region for inclusive and merit-based governance.
What Happens Next?
With BARMM’s first regular elections approaching in 2025, the issue of appointments is expected to remain a contentious topic. Legal experts suggest that the MILF may challenge the appointments before the Supreme Court, arguing that they violate the spirit of the peace agreements.
Despite the rising tensions, various sectors within Bangsamoro and the national government are calling for dialogue to ensure that the gains of the peace process are not lost. Will the Marcos administration and the MILF find a compromise, or will this dispute further escalate?
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) appealed to MILF and PH Government to Be Cautious in Issuing Statements and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are urging both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government to exercise caution in making public statements regarding the ongoing tensions over the implementation of the peace agreement.
CSOs warn that if the agreed-upon provisions are not followed, civilians—especially those in remote areas—could suffer the most. Many of these communities have long been affected by displacement (Internally Displaced Persons or IDPs), and despite efforts for peace, they continue to struggle with instability and lack of development.
Furthermore, it was stressed that, CSOs do not want the situation to reach a point where both the MILF and the government lose credibility in the eyes of the Bangsamoro people. They emphasize that trust in the peace process is crucial and that both parties must act responsibly to prevent further hardship for affected communities.
By:
Ebs Sandigan
CBCS – TAP-G Area Coordinator
For Sugoda Buayan Cluster
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