Featured image above MILF Founder and Chairman Ustadhz Salamat Hashim. (File photo taken on Sept. 11, 2001, by SDN at his residence at Camp Rajamuda, Buliok Complex, North Cotabato.
Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-WMP
COTABATO CITY, February 12, 2026 — In the thick of the deepening debate on whether the current iteration of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is “led” by the Moro Islamic Liberationt Front (MILF), a new voice has come out.
It’s the voice of a former solicitor general of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), lawyer Frances Cynthia J. Guiani, one of the children of the late Japal Guiani, former chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
She was also a former mayor of Cotabato City, among other positions in government.
Here’s her opinion — untouched and unedited — she posted on her social media page.
As a former Solicitor General of ARMM who served two Regional Governors, I would like to share my perspective on the current discussions surrounding the word “MILF-Led” in the BTA.
I know a lot of opinions are coming out, and some may disagree with me. I respect your views, and I only ask that you respect mine as well. I don’t have any personal interest here; this is purely a friendly, legal, and historical discussion of a lawyer.
As a former Solicitor General of the ARMM, I thoroughly studied our laws — not just the literal letter of the word, but the history and “blood and sweat” that went into it. The “Unique Political Entity” Doctrine is our guide here (from the 2024 Sulu Case).
Herein, the Supreme Court officially recognized that BARMM is not just an ordinary LGU. It is a “unique political entity. ”
What does this mean for us? BTA is not like a standard government board where the President can choose whichever course he wants. Instead, it is a Peace-Building Mechanism. Because this is a mechanism of peace, the “partner” (the MILF) should have a voice and true representation. The government cannot dictate who represents on the other side; it has to come from the very organization partnering with the agreement.
“MILF-Led” means Organizational Control, hindi lang basta label.
Under RA 11054 (BOL), the order is clear: the BTA shall be led by the MILF. In the records of the negotiations, “MILF” is a singular political entity, it’s not just a list of random names.
The Principle of Autonomy & Self-Determination
The 1987 Constitution guarantees regional autonomy.
– According to one side, When the National Government ignores the official nominees of MILF, it’s like they are interfering in the internal affairs of Bangsamoro.
– This erodes the very autonomy that the BOL was meant to protect. The partnership should have “parity of esteem” — equal respect for one another as partners in peace.
BOL is CAB’s “Legal Translation”
Huwag nating kalimutan: ang BOL is not an ordinary law. Ito ay bunga ng Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) — isang peace treaty. It is the “spirit of the agreement” that requires the government to treat the MILF as a singular entity represented by its central committee. The CAB is the “mother” peace agreement signed in 2014. The MILF argues that because CAB was a negotiation between two parties (the Government of the Philippines and the MILF as a Front) , the “MILF” in the agreement refers organization represented by it’s leadership — the Central Committee.
– In the Annex on Transitional Modalities, it was said that BTA is “MILF-led”.
– To “lead” an 80-member body, a structural majority is needed (at least 41 seats).
– If those 41 seats are filled by people not endorsed by the Central Committee, MILF is no longer “in charge” — the President is.
The “Mujahideen” Provision of Civil Service Code
Let’s not forget that we have the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code. In this law, there is a very clear requirement for MILF and MNLF members (the Mujahideen and Mujahidat) who want to enter the government:
The Certification Rule: For them to gain eligibility and to know legitimate members, they need a Certification signed by the Chairman of their Central Committee himself.
– The logic is simple: If in a government job you need a certification of the Chairman, especially maybe in sitting in the BTA Parliament.
I knew my legal view would cause a lot of noise. I’m expecting Pinocchio’s trolls Ina to come out again so I can be called whatever name.
To those who criticize: JUST RELAX 😅 This is not personal, this is a matter of legal and principle.
Ultimately, it’s not us who decide but the Honorable Supreme Court. They will give the final dot on this matter:
– If the Supreme Court rules for the Petitioners: This will prove that the term “MILF-led” is equivalent to respecting the “Central Committee endorsement. “Meaning, the President will be forced to withdraw appointments and identify only names directly from the MILF list.
It will be a victory for autonomy and the peace process.
– If the Court rules for the Government: This is an affirmation that the “President’s Discretion” will prevail. Turns out “MILF-led” is a title depending solely on who the President thinks are MILF — even if their own leadership doesn’t recognize them.
Whatever the verdict is, the important thing is that we can establish the truth. This is not just about a list of names; this is about the integrity of promise. Respect for law, respect for peace. (/)
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Editor’s Note: The opinion, every word is the author’s own and property and not necessarily of SDN.