Palace: CAB can withstand constitutional, judicial scrutiny

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang defended on Friday the constitutionality of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed by the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27.

“The instruction of the President in negotiating for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was to make sure that it will be within the parameters of the Constitution. We believe certainly that the CAB can withstand constitutional scrutiny, judicial scrutiny,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago earlier said the deal is unconstitutional, as it tries to diminish the sovereignty of the Philippines. She added that the executive branch misrepresented the Philippine government and infringed upon the powers of the legislative branch when it forged the deal with the MILF.

Lacierda said the senator’s opinion differs from that of other constitutional lawyers, who find the agreement constitutional. 

He said chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer would like to talk with Santiago to discuss the CAB, as they will do with all the legislators because the bill has to be submitted to Congress for enactment.

“We are hopeful that those who have expressed doubts and reluctance will see that this will stand constitutional scrutiny and ultimately, it will redound to the peace and development of Mindanao and the Philippines,” said Lacierda.