GPH, MILF peace panel, SC justice face sedition, treason complaint

THE peace panel of both the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) face sedition and treason complaint for inking a peace deal that paved the way for the crafting of the Bangsamoro basic law (BBL) bill.

Buhay Representative Jose “Lito” Atienza Jr. and Abakada Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz filed the complaint against MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles, GPH negotiating panel member Senen Bacani, former GPH peace panel chair now Supreme Court justice Marvic Leonen and 18 others.

The complaint was lodged before Senior Deputy City Prosecutor Eufrosino Sulla at the Manila City Hall. If the prosecutors find probable cause, it would file the charge before the proper court. Atienza is a former mayor of Manila.

“We have decided to take the matter as a party issue. We have filed a complaint against the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Negotiating Panel for Treason and Inciting to Sedition. The GPH, instead of protecting the interest of the Republic, has given in to all the demands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This has put the entire nation in a dilemma. Buhay Party-list stands for peace – but it should be achieved in accordance with the Constitution,” Atienza said in a statement.

According to the complaint, the respondents committed sedition by pushing for the BBL, the bill that seeks to implement a government peace deal with the MILF to create a more politically autonomous Bangsamoro region.

The complaint added that respondents are liable for executing the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro and the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro, which served as the basis for the BBL.

“The proposed BBL is the means by which secession is promoted. Through the BBL provisions, which are clearly unconstitutional, the inhabitants of the still undefined Bangsamoro are being instigated to make continuing demands for independence and self-determination,” the complaint read.

“The acts of respondents, in executing the Framework agreement and in proposing the BBL, also effectively aided the MILF armed forces to successfully assert their existence as a separate and independent state. Therefore, respondents must be held liable for the crime of treason…,” it added.

According to the Revised Penal Code, sedition is committed by persons who rise publicly to prevent by force or intimidation, or extra-legal methods the exercise and powers of government.

Meanwhile, treason is committed by persons who wage war against the country or aid the country’s enemies.

Sedition is punishable with prision correccional at its maximum period of at least four years imprisonment and a P2,000 fine, while treason is punishable with life imprisonment and a P100,000 fine. AC