RET. CHIEF JUSTICE HILARIO G. DAVIDE, JR.
Convenor, Peace Council
c/o Office of the Executive Secretary
Malacañang Palace
Manila
Hilario Davide Jr.
Dear Chief Justice Davide,
My congratulations on your being part of the historic Peace Council – hopefully a factor that can spell the difference and the solution of the centuries-old intractable Moro problem in Mindanao!
Notwithstanding doubts about the value, timing and even the relevance of the Council at this point, I share the faith of not a few millions of Filipinos in the Council on the basis of the high caliber of its composition.
True, the Mamasapano massacre may have struck a seeming death blow to the peace process but I believe that the Council has the imagination, the creativity and the skill to be able to turn this tragedy around into a positive tool to craft and achieve its goals.
Ditto in respect to the obvious Constitutional flaws evident on the face of the BBL.
From the well-known reputation for intellectual honesty and integrity, character, love of country and tried and tested leadership of the distinguished members of the Council, the Filipinos of the present generation under P-Noy now have reason to believe that the Moro problem can, and should be, finally resolved but not at the price of the Constitution and the dismemberment of the Republic.
May the Council, with God’s guidance, come up with a bold, no-nonsense and even earth-shaking report to the plenary session of Congress worthy of the expectations of the Filipino people, of course to include the deepest true needs and highest and noblest aspirations of the Moro peoples.
That report should mince no words to convey the unmistakable message that the BBL as crafted is a step backward rather than forward for the attainment of peace, stability and justice in Mindanao.
The BBL has incredibly cast away a portion of the Republic’s sovereignty and a huge chunk of its natural resources in favor of the rebels which would render them even more powerful to challenge the Government in potential future wars. Well, has it been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
That report should vigorously debate the issues and thereby scientifically define the root causes of the war in Mindanao and their correct solutions as bases for a new framework agreement which can take place prior to or after the amendment of the Constitution as may be found by the Council to be necessary or unavoidable.
The Council’s failure is the beginning of the end of our last brightest hope for that region. It may even be the last nail in its coffin – the unwitting signal of interminable wars in Southern Mindanao resulting in the decimation of its people, Muslims and Christians alike, the destruction of its infrastructure, institutions and fertile farms and the ultimate loss of the Land of Promise with serious negative consequences to, and implications for, the entire nation.
Such is the frightening challenge of this distinguished Council.
May the Almighty God bless and guide you and all the Members of the Peace Council!
Faithfully yours,
Ramon B. Ceniza