Gov’t open to discuss constitutionality of Bangsamoro pact with Santiago

Peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines— Malacañang on Saturday said it hopes Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago could meet government peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer to discuss the legality of the recently signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) after Santiago tagged the peace deal as unconstitutional.

Santiago said  the agreement violated the principle of  “constitutional supremacy.”

Malacañang, however, said, it is open to a discussion with the senator.

“Mabuti po ‘yon kasi maganda din na nagkaroon sila ng ganitong exchange because the government is always open to explain ‘yung contents of the agreement,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on radio.

(It will be good for them to have exchange of ideas because the government is always open  to explain the contents of the agreement.)

Valte mentioned that even before the agreement was signed, the governement peace panel has consulted civil society groups, members of the academe and to legislators to let them look into the content of the peace agreement.

She said Malacañang hopes that the Supreme Court would uphold the legality of the peace agreement despite questions regarding its legality.

On March 28, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has signed a historic peace agreement to end decades-long secessionist movement in Mindanao.

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