EDITORIAL - ‘Principled politics’

The separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front is reinventing itself, entering the political arena on a platform of “principled politics.” The MILF’s creation of the Bangsamoro Justice Party is seen as part of its preparations for fielding candidates in the regional elections for the parliamentary government that will run the proposed Bangsamoro entity.

There are still major hurdles on the road to the creation of that entity. Among the biggest hurdles is the legal challenge to the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Constitutional experts have warned that the BBL may not pass scrutiny by the Supreme Court. Even a Senate policy group has reportedly warned the chamber’s committee on local governments of possible constitutional pitfalls in the BBL, notably in the areas of taxation and fiscal autonomy.

Still, any armed group that swaps the bullet for the ballot deserves encouragement. Participating in elections will be an affirmation of the MILF’s commitment to join the social mainstream and be part of the democratic process. Its performance in the elections will show whether it has popular support in the Muslim region.

And it is encouraging news that the MILF party is pitching a platform of principled politics. Principle is a commodity missing from the typical Filipino politician. The MILF, however, is not the first group to tout this ideal.

A new political party is expected to have a mix of new faces and old hands in politics. The Bangsamoro Justice Party will have to overcome public skepticism that “principled politics” will not go beyond campaign rhetoric. If the party’s actions support its platform, it will be a positive start for the Bangsamoro.