Murad: Nothing wrong with ‘Justice Leonen’

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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How much will the peace process lose in case President Benigno Aquino III appoints Marvic Leonen, the government's chief negotiator, as an associate justice in the Supreme Court?

MILF chief Murad Ebrahim speaks in front of the media for the first time since the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Photo taken by Karlos Manlupig

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Will the peace process suffer in case President Benigno Aquino III appoints Marvic Leonen, the government’s chief negotiator, as an associate justice in the Supreme Court?

In his first press conference at Camp Darapanan after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Murad Ibrahim said he sees nothing wrong with Leonen’s possible appointment to the High Court.

He said the peace negotiations will continue even without him.

“Although we really want Marvic Leonen to continue, we do not see it as a requirement in order to move forward,” Murad said, reiterating his hope that the final political settlement be signed before the Aquino administration ends in 2016.

Ebrahim said after all, there have been several changes in peace negotiations in the last decade.

“It’s not a question of personality in the negotiating panel…although personality, of course, plays an important role. But then, we do not see any major changes because it ultimately boils down to the policy of the principal, meaning, the policy of the government on the peace process, as well as the policy of the MILF on the peace process.”

Marvic Leonen (L), chair of the Philippine government panel, and Mohagher Iqbal (R), chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), shake hands at the end of the 31st round of Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 8, 2012. Looking on is Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed (C). Photo courtesy of the OPAPP

In his interview before the Judicial and Bar Council, Leonen also said the peace process will go on without him. It is “bigger than a Marvic Leonen,” he remarked.

He added that there are 5 people in the government panel who are all credible and capable of ensuring the agreement would be implemented.

Leonen is one of 15 candidates vying for the SC post vacated by Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was appointed Chief Justice by Aquino. – Rappler.com


Read the full text of President Noynoy Aquino’s speech: Agreement paves way for enduring peace in Mindanao

Read the full text of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, Bangsamoro, that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com