MILF more united than embattled GMA administration

A ranking member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has asked the Arroyo administration “who is more divided as a nation the Moros or Filipinos” in the wake of the lurking change of government through constitutional or extra-constitutional means as a consequence to the expose’ of  NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. Implicating not only former COMELEC commissioner Benjamin Abalos Sr but also First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to the kickback scandal. Time and again, government officials particularly Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who is a politial survivor from Martial Law to this day, accused the MILF of highly divided that gives the government difficulty in signing a peace deal.

Recently one cabinet member was asked to do an errand to a high MILF official, whose identity is withold upon request, to verify whether it is true that one tribal group does not recognize the present leadership of the MILF headed by Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

The mission was accomplished but the reply he got was that the MILF is as solid as ever like the time when the late Chairman Salamat Hashim was still alive.

Khaled Musa, deputy chairman of the MILF committee on information, told Luwaran that if the Moros are divided, the more are the Filipinos, citing the proliferation of political parties with elitist orientations, the various coup attempts, and the changes of government through extra-constitutional processes or “constitutional means” by manipulation of those who are in control.

He said the Arroyo administration is standing on a shaky foundation as consequence of these scandals, political bickerings, abuse of powers, unsolved violations of human rights, etc.

He disclosed that the days ahead for President Arroyo is very critical in view of reports that former President Fidel Ramos, Jose de venecia, and even Eduardo Ermita, who is related to Ramos, are reportedly firming up decision to withdraw their support from the government.

Earlier De Venencia was ousted from the speakership of the House of Representatives largely from the prodding of Malacanang.

He also disclosed that as per report the pillars of the elite democracy in Philippines have almost come to decision point to oust Arroyo from power and the days ahead are critical for President Arroyo.

The support of the Makati Business Club, which largely funded previous changes of government, the Church, and the military are gathering momentum, but that of the people is still a big question mark. For tactical reason, left leaning individuals and organizations will support this change of government, while the United States has reportedly made it clear that any change of government must be “constitutional”.

However, the people are ambivalent to support any change of government, saying the quarrel is among “the same bananas”.