The most prominent painting in Davao Museum representing the tri-people

september 2017 issue no. 01 of Mindanao, namely: the Moros, the Christians, and the Lumads.

WE REMAIN A COMMITTED PARTNER OF PH - EU

The European Union (EU) remains a committed partner in the Philippines quest for peace and development
in the southern region for the past 25 years. The EU alongside the Philippine Government, has been promoting
peace, human security, and development in the most vulnerable, conflict-affected communities.
(continue in page 3)

DELACSE CONTINUES TO FROM BULLETS TO BALLOTS:

EMPOWER IPs MILF-UBJP PREPARES
FOR POLITICAL PARTY
(story in page 2) (story in page 3)
PAGE 2 ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017

DELACSE continues to...

from page 1

Democratic Leadership and Active

Civil Society Empowerment in the
Bangsamoro (DELACSE Bangsamoro),
through the consortium Konrad-
Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines,
and the Institute of Autonomy and
Governance (IAG) and funded by
Leadership Training held in Davao City, DELACSE Bangsamoro seeks to extend
the European Union (EU), remains a
titled A Workshop on Leadership and more support endeavors such as this
committed partner of the Indigenous
Party Building for the Indigenous Peoples by providing technical assistance and
Peoples (IPs) in ARMM in exercising its
of Bangsamoro. expertise from invited reputable political
crucial role in a democratic society.
The Advance Leadership Training scientists and political party organizers.
The Organization of Teduray and
is a proof of the positive impacts of Learning from these experts should help
Lambangian Conference (OTLAC) and
previous EU financed projects under facilitate the completion of the IPDPs
Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG)
KAS and IAG such as the Recognition pertinent documents (e.g. Constitution
together with other IP organizations in
of the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples and By-Laws and Party Platform of
the Bangsamoro region, decided to form
in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Governance) prior to its application
a regional political party in 2016 called
Mindanao for their Empowerment and before the COMELEC, and facilitate the
the Indigenous Peoples Democratic
Sustainable Development (IPDEV) and general plan of activities of the IPDP in
Party. This political party has been
the Democratic Party Development preparation for its official registration as a
further capacitated under DELACSE
(DEPADEV) Bangsamoro . Today, IP regional party.
Bangsamoros three-day Advance
leaders in the ARMM - for the first time The training also builds on the IP
ever - got the chance to get together organizations knowledge base
regularly, discuss their concerns and established through the conduct of
interests and, most importantly engage basic seminars focused on enhancing
in political discourse, so as to be heard. participation in political processes in the
Now these IP organizations understand Mindanao context, advanced leadership
and appreciate that the way for them and political management courses, to
to be represented formally in the future include organizational leadership skills in
Bangsamoro parliament is to become a times of transition, as well as developing
solid political institution. The way to do policy inputs to the Bangsamoro
this is to organize a legitimate, genuine, Transition Commission, both in terms of
and democratic political party; hence, content and technical skills.

By conducting seminars and trainings, DELACSE empowers and encourages civil society organizations
(CSOs) to be actively engaged in drafting a political framework towards a peaceful transition in the
Bangsamoro.
ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017 PAGE 3

We remain... from page 1 From bullets... from page 1

The EU believes in the importance
of a holistic approach to
development and humanitarian
assistance in the form of direct
support for confidence-building
measures and capacity building
on political engagement
among various organizations in
Mindanao.
Through establishing a creative
partnership with Konrad-
Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
Philippines and the Institute
for Autonomy and Governance
(IAG), the DELACSE Bangsamoro
project was designed to prepare
decision-makers and civil society
leaders to be actively engaged in
designing the new Bangsamoro
political framework.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF)-United Bangsamoro Justice
Party (UBJP), a political party whose
pursuit is to promote and strengthen
peace and development and help
facilitate political and economic
stability in Moro communities in
Mindanao, shifts gears and speeds
up democratization process
through mainstreaming real party
politics in preparation for either
an autonomous region or a federal
state of Bangsamoro.
that make it distinct from other political
parties: It has to be ran and managed
by the Bangsamoro for the Bangsamoro
people; be pro-people and inclusive; has
its own standards of discipline; should
have human resources above all forms
of assets; and be service-oriented.
Despite MILF-UBJP members lack of
experience in mainstream politics, they
are actively undergoing continuous
political training to make them capable in
dealing with the partys affairs and effect
governance so that they are prepared
as future leaders of the Bangsamoro.
Aside from Maguindanao, Lanao del
Sur, Lanao del Norte, Sulu, Basilan, and
Tawi-Tawi, there are also UBJP groups
in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, North
Cotabato, Davao City, Compostela
Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental,
Butuan, Bukidnon, and Palawan.

Other activities of the project

include Basic Leadership
Seminars, Advanced Leadership
Seminars, Lecture Series, Training
of Trainers, and International Study
Tours. The EUs pledge to peace
and development in Mindanao
is not limited to the DELACSE
project, but as a long-term
development actor and a partner
for peace in Mindanao. It remains
steadfast in strengthening this
commitment in the future. In
fact, the EU has funded capacity-
building programs and activities
that will facilitate a more
democratic leadership and strong
empowerment among the civil
society active in the Bangsamoro.
DELACSE Bangsamoro builds
on the results of the Democratic
Party Development (DEPAdev)
project, an
18-month EU-funded undertaking
also implemented by KAS and
IAG.
The UBJP is a political party organized
in 2013 marking MILFs shift from an
armed group to a progressive political
party that adheres to democratic
engagement with the aim of promoting
justice-based governance. The MILF
organized UBJP as a political party to
support the governments efforts to end
Last May 2017, 40 MILF-UBJP leaders were
the more than four decades of conflict
trained under DELACSE Bangsamoros
and struggle in Muslim Mindanao
two-day seminar-workshop in Davao
through signing the Comprehensive
City to identify, understand, and
Agreement in the Bangsamoro.
appreciate the components of effective
communication skills as key to winning
UBJP Secretary General Sammy Al-
the campaign.
Mansour said the political party is
the start of the MILFs evolution from
The seminar was an advanced-level
an armed revolutionary group into
training workshop focused on providing
a political organization that would
UBJP members with strategic political
continue struggling for peace and
communication skills to correct
development in the homeland in
negative and wrong public perceptions
another arena: governance and politics.
on the MILF and most importantly, help
educate the public on the peace and
Al-Mansour added that UBJP advocates
development objectives of the political
a distinct brand of ideology uniquely
party aligned to its vision of a self-
for the Bangsamoro people. He
governing Bangsamoro.
enumerated five UBJP political platforms
PAGE 4
Whats good for the Bangsamoro
is good for the other Bangsas But
what is good for the Bangsamoro?
And how can it be achieved?
For too long, the hopes and
aspirations of the people have been
placed on the legal framework of
an autonomous region (an existing
one and another one that is still to
BENEDIKT SEEMANN be born). In fact, we have focused
Resident Representative
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
on legal frameworks so much that
we forgot the most important
factor in the equation: the people.
Who will run the Bangsamoro?
Who will determine whats good
for the future of Muslim Mindanao?
The angle of our project DELACSE
Bangsamoro is not influencing the
The Institute for Autonomy
and Governance (IAG) is
honored to implement with
KAS the EU-funded DELACSE
project.
Promoting democracy, political
participation and political
institutions in southern
ATTY. BENEDICTO BACANI Philippines is one of keys to
Executive Director achieving sustainable peace and
Institute for Autonomy prosperity in the region.
and Governance
Peace agreements are a set
of political reforms that must
be painstakingly nurtured,
supported and pursued by all
women and men of goodwill.
Strong political institutions that
exist for the common good are
ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
shape of the Basic Law which
will be the legal foundation. Our
angle is to guide the inhabitants
of that region to meaningful
self-determination. Self-
determination requires both, the
knowledge and the capacities to
determine your future. Together
with our partners we follow a
bottom-up approach, based on
the idea of subsidiarity. To us
this means: democracy needs
democrats! If we fail to train and
capacitate civil society we will
lack the leaders that we need in
the future, the leaders who truly
represent the people and make
the Bangsamoro work.
the platform to effect political
reforms and to give full meaning
to the exercise of the right of self-
determination and autonomy of
the Bangsamoro.
IAG reiterates its commitment
to provide technical assistance
in building strong political
institutions in the Bangsamoro.
May this newsletter be a vehicle
not only to inform stakeholders
of the projects activities but
more importantly to spread
the message of hope that so
long as we continue to work for
inclusive political participation
and institutions, there is the
light of peace at the end of the
tunnel.
ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
SONA 2017:
STRIVING FOR PEACE AT ALL COSTS
In his 2nd State of the Nation
Address (SONA) on July 24,
President Rodrigo Duterte stood by
his decision to declare Martial Law
in Mindanao because it was the
fastest way to quell the rebellion at
the least cost of lives and properties
and to ensure that the government
was adequately equipped with
the constitutional tool that would
enable it to catch rebels who
attempt to escape and block the
efforts of these rebels in spreading
their gospel of hate and violence in
the rest of Mindanao.
Duterte declared Martial Law in
Mindanao on May 23 when the Maute
Group went on a full-blown rampage in
Marawi City following the government
troops operation to go after high-value
targets from Abu Sayyaf and Maute
Group. The Supreme Court affirmed
the Presidents decision on July 5. The
House of Representatives and Senate
voted on the extension of Martial Law
PAGE 5
until the end of 2017 in a joint session The President has always been vocal
held two days before the Presidents about the elusive peace in Mindanao. I
2nd SONA. will persist in our goal of attaining peace
to the last day of this administration
The death toll in Marawi has gone and maybe even beyond although in a
beyond the 500 mark and thousands different capacity, he said.
of people have already been displaced
from their homes. The President is One of the goals of the Duterte
encouraging the entire country to help administration is an inclusive peace
people of Marawi, who have been process that reflects the aspirations
through hell. of our Muslim brothers and sisters as
well as our indigenous brethren. This
Duterte stood by his decision to declare is manifested in the Executive Order
Martial Law in the entire Mindanao, No. 8, expanding the membership of
dispelling claims that the rebellion is the Bangsamoro Transition Committee
only limited to Marawi City. He said that (BTC) to include the Indigenous
Mindanao is a very porous area, where Peoples, women, and children. The
conflicts are likely to spill over from one BTC submitted the 2nd draft of the
area to the other. Bangsamoro Basic Law to the President
days before the SONA.
Duterte assured the people that the
Martial Law is only intended to quell Duterte also announced the test
rebellion, not to extend his power. I do broadcasting of the first Muslim TV in
not intend to go beyond my term, he the Philippines- government-owned
said. Salaam Digital TV- a step forward
Coming from Mindanao himself, the towards greater inclusivity.
PAGE 6
FEDERALISM TO NARROW THE GAP BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS PEOPLE
One cannot sideline federalism when
talking about the enduring peace process in
Mindanao. Back in 1998, the Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) held the Mindanao
peace caravan to campaign for a Federal
Republic of the Philippines. After all, pre-
colonial Mindanao was an independent
nation. Although the present Autonomous
Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was
granted autonomy to govern its territories,
its budget is still pegged with the national
government through the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM).
In the current unitary form of government,
most resources and administrative powers
are concentrated upon the national
government based in Metro Manila or
the National Capital Region (NCR). More
than P 536B or 27% of the overall budget
was reserved for NCR for 2017, which is
equivalent to the combined budget of eight
regions (five of which are from Mindanao).
The efforts to push for decentralization are
fueled by the long-standing notion that
the central government in Metro Manila
holds the power of the purse, giving them
authority to decide on matters concerning
even the budget of Local Government Units
(LGUs). Furthermore, they pass on unfunded
mandates to the LGUs.
Some critics of federalism argue against
the need to shift to federalism because of
the existing Local Government Code (LGC)
or the RA7160. Approved back in October
1991, the LGC gives LGUs a substantial
degree of independence from the central
government. LGUs can impose taxes
to generate their own income, provide
basic social services to constituents, and
administer over matters concerning public
works, telecommunications, tourism
development, etc. One of the provisions
in the LGC is a mandatory review of the
LGC at least once every 5 years to make it
create a more responsive and accountable
local government structure. Surprisingly,
the code has never been amended since its
approval.
A federal type of government will devolve
powers of the central government to
the local government units. It does not
completely diminish the powers of the
central government because it will still
coordinate and provide support for the
activities and projects of LGUs.
Under Federalism, states may use a greater
percentage of budget allocation to design and
develop their own programs that are beneficial
to their development. For example, if the
suggested 80-20 division of revenues between
LGUs and the national government will be
approved, ARMMs 2016 budget amounting to
P94B will increase to P250B.
Federalism will also bring local governments
closer to its people. Local governments will
be granted more autonomy in designing and
implementing projects that will be directly
beneficial and relevant to them. Because
local citizens are closer to their government,
they will be inspired to participate actively in
selecting their local public servants. After all,
their taxes will be paying for these projects.
Economic development can be achieved
beyond Metro Manilas boundaries because
domestic economic activity will be dictated by
each states terms. Since local governments will
be given more fiscal and political autonomy,
even neglected rural areas will have access to
more job and business opportunities.
Change, even for the better, comes with its
own set of challenges. If local officials are to
be granted more decision-making powers
in a federal government, their accountability
should be strengthened as well. It is also a call
for local citizens to select their local leaders
carefully.
Struggling LGUs still suffer from the existing
uneven distribution of development across the
country. The equalization fund is a mechanism
where rich states will assist the poorer states.
While one of the primary objectives of
ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
federalism is to grant states and its LGUs
autonomy, it is also important to consider
rapid and inclusive economic growth.
According to House Majority Leader Rodolfo
Farias, the passage of the Bangsamoro
Basic Law (BBL) must be prioritized first
so that BBL provisions that are deemed
unconstitutional can be addressed once
the Congress convenes to amend the
Constitution for a federal government.
While federalism and the BBL are part of
the priority list of both the Senate and the
House of Representatives, it is still important
to monitor movements of both so the
development of one does not hamper the
development of the other.
Apart from greater autonomy, advocates
of federalism envision the reform of the
electoral process, establishment of political
parties that truly represent the aspirations of
the people they represent, and eradication
of political dynasties. Its critics, on the
other hand, are doubtful of the countrys
readiness to this drastic change. Supporters
of federalism believe that the right leader
will have the unparalleled conviction and
political capital to jumpstart their dream.
There is no single form of federalism. It is
important to understand the pre-existing
conditions of society to create a stronger
foundation for a federal government that
addresses the existing needs of its people.
In the shift to federalism, policymakers
must consult stakeholders from all levels,
especially the local government and its
citizens.
Sources: Department of Budget and Management:
Regional Allocation of the Expenditure Program by
Department/Special Purpose Funds
FUNFACTS
ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017 PAGE 7

with
ACROSS
2. Current OPAPP Secretary
3. Representing the final peace agreement between the GPH
and the MILF
6. A country in Europe that has a parliamentary system of
government
10. The process through which communities affected by the
decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao can return to a
peaceful life and pursue sustainable livelihoods free from
fear of violence and crime
11. The largest city in Mindanao
12. The division of power between a central government and
state governments
13. A form of government in which the people choose leaders
by voting
14. The collective group of indigenous tribes in Mindanao
16. Republic Act 8371 is also known as the _______ Peoples
Rights Act
18. The office mandated to oversee, coordinate, and integrate
the implementation of the comprehensive peace process
19. _______ democracy is a democratic form of government in
which the party (or a coalition of parties) with the greatest
representation in the parliament (legislature) forms the
government, its leader becoming prime minister

DOWN
1. Outlines the political settlement between the GPH and the
MILF, the process of transition from ARMM a new Bangsamoro
autonomous political entity
2. The transfer of authority from central to local government
4. Type of government where states and a central government
share power
5. Refers to the tendency to avoid political extremes by taking
an ideologically intermediate position
7. The agreement between GPH and Nur Misuari of MNLF, which
established autonomy in the Southern Philippines within the
realm of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of
the Philippines
8. A Muslim inhabitant of the Philippines
9. ______ lands are the lands, territories and resources of
indigenous peoples
15. MILF starts shift to non-armed political party with the
establishment of the political party
17. System of centralized government

Answer key will be posted

on DELACSEs Facebook and
Twitter page.

contact IMPLEMENTING ORGANIZATIONS

us! KONRAD-ADENAUER-
STIFTUNG PHILIPPINES
INSTITUTE FOR
AUTONOMY
5F Cambridge Center Building
AND GOVERNANCE
108 Tordesillas corner
Notre Dame University
Gallardo streets, Salcedo Village
Notre Dame Avenue
1227 Makati City
Cotabato City
Phone: +632 801 9837
Telefax: +63 64 552 2017
+632 894 3427
Email: info@iag.org.ph
+632 894 3737
Facebook: iag.org.ph
Fax: +63 64 557 1638
Website: www.iag.org.ph
Email: Info.Manila@kas.de
Twitter: @IAGorgph
Instagram: iagorgph
PAGE 8 ISSUE NO. 1 SEPTEMBER 2017

We are very lucky to be part of

DELACSEs workshop because
through the said activity, we are
What we expect is for this project
to further empower the Bangsamoro

capacitated as civil society leaders. people, especially the party [UBJP],
We are very happy with the speakers. in making sound decisions and
They have imparted us with sufficient crafting effective strategies that would
knowledge that could help us prepare lead to the realization of a self-ruling
for the Bangsamoro political entity. Bangsamoro region.

Mambai Sapalon Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo

United Youth Alliance for Peace United Bangsamoro Justice
and Development Party (UBJP)
(UNYPAD)