SC appointment won’t derail MIILF peace deal, says Leonen

MANILA, Philippines — Government Peace Panel Chief Negotiator Marvic Leonen assured that the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) won’t be derailed if ever he would  be appointed as associate justice of the Supreme Court.

During his interview with members of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) Thursday, Leonen was asked if it would be better for him to pursue the peace agreement towards its completion.

“I would be less than the best chair of that institution if we were not able to develop other capable individuals,” Leonen said, adding that aside from him, there are other people who have been instrumental in coming up with the peace pact.

Leonen was credited for crafting the framework peace agreement between the Aquino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He has been the head of the peace panel since 2010.

“If I made myself too indispensable, it’s because the chair (of the peace panel) is a public face but the [peace agreement] is a collective effort,” Leonen added.

Leonen said he was nominated for the position as associate justice of the Supreme Court before crafting framework agreement.

“Looking at the task ahead, I am clear enough to say that there can be somebody else that would assist in the implementation of the agreement,” he added.

The associate justice post at the Supreme Court became vacant with the appointment of Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice.