SOUTHERN
PHILIPPINES
COUNCIL
for PEACE
and DEVELOPMENT
The Southern Philippines Council
for Peace and Development or SPCPD may be the last
attempt of the Philippine government to formally integrate Moroland into
the Filipino nation. This would also help in solving the almost three decades
of fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels.
The creation of SPCPD is meant to represent the "full
implementation of the Tripoli Agreement". This was an agreement entered
into between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and
the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) signed in Tripoli, Libya, on
December 23, 1976 - - with the participation of the Organization of Islamic
Conference. Its objective was to end and settle the armed conflict between
the GRP and the MNLF in Mindanao. It also provided the establishment of
autonomy for Muslims in Mindanao within the realm of the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the Philippines.
The SPCPD is not a provisional government because it is
not a governing authority. It does not have any law-making power. Neither
is it an autonomous region, a political subdivision of GRP, nor a public
corporation. It has no separate judicial personality; hence, it cannot
sue nor be sued. It is a transitory administrative arm under the control
and supervision of the President of the Philippines; in other words, it
is a presidential alter ego. Hence, its powers are just delegated from
those of the President of the Philippines. Its functions are as follows:
to take charge of the promotion, monitoring, and coordination
of the improvement of peace and order in the area;
to focus on peace and development efforts, especially
in the depressed areas and initiate the implementation of appropriate projects;
to support the local government units, when needed;
to use other powers needed to implement its mandate
as may be delegated by the President;
to assist in the holding of elections, referenda, or
plebiscite, and peoples' initiative in the area, if deputized by the Commision
on Elections upon the recommendation of the President; and
to recommend the creation of such offices or instrumentalities
necessary for the effective and efficient administration of the affairs
of the area.
However, the Office of the President will have to approve
the needed budget. In the performance of the above functions, the SPCPD
will coordinate with local officials and request their assistance in the
promotion of peace and order or in the implementation of development projects
in the area.
Nur Misuari, newly elected governor of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Chairman of the Moro National Liberation
Front, has just been appointed as Chairman of the SPCPD. The President
will also appoint a Vice Chairman and three deputies --one each representing
the Muslims, the Christians, and the Lumads.
