Patricio Diaz THE peace process is now in the implementing phase. The negotiations over, the Government and MILF implementing panels will direct the implementation of the CAB, the 1996 FPA and other laws, coordinating the mechanisms and modalities already in place. The panels will hold their planning sessions in the Philippines but the “formal documents like the term of reference for the Panels would still have to be signed in Kuala Lumpur (Iqbal, Luwaran: 9/3/16)”.  These were firmed up in the August 13-14 Government-MILF meeting. Drafting of the Bangsamoro Enabling Law:  A new enabling law – to be referred to as Bangsamoro Enabling Law (BEL) “to avoid confusion and to unload the baggage attached to the initials (Santiago, MindaNews: 9/1/16) – will be drafted by the new BTC to replace BBL and to be submitted to the Congress by July 2017. Convergence and Inclusivity: The BEL will be the consolidation of the CAB, the 1996 FPA and some relevant provisions of IPRA, and R.A. No. 9054. All stakeholders – MILF, MNLF factions, the IPs, the Sultanates and LGUs – will be represented in the BTC to insure the desired convergence. An All-Moro Assembly will approve BEL before its submission to the Congress. Simultaneous Tracks: The legislative processes to establish the Bangsamoro and to shift from the unitary to the federal form of government will be simultaneously done although the Bangsamoro will be established ahead of the Federal Government. The Congress will pass the BEL, minus constitutionally controversial and contentious provisions in 2017. Once the BEL is ratified in the plebiscite, the BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) will run the provisional government – the Bangsamoro regular officials to be elected in 2019. The objectionable provisions of BEL will be considered as proposed constitutional amendments to be included in the deliberations of ConAss to amend the 1987 Constitution. With the Bangsamoro as model for federal states, the federal constitution will be submitted to a plebiscite during the 2019 election. If approved, the transitory federal government will be set up, the regular federal government to be elected in 2022. Establishment of the Bangsamoro: The establishment of the Bangsamoro is a must, not an option, President Duterte declared. Even if federalization is rejected by the people, the Bangsamoro will be set up as the only way to bring about lasting peace. Massive Economic Development: An integral part of autonomy, this is not an option. As Dureza emphasized, “I can sign a hundred peace agreements but if those on the ground do not immediately feel the dividends of peace, those agreements will not be sustainable.” In the August 13-14 Kuala Lumpur meeting, they agreed to continue the “implementation of deliverables under the Program for Normalization, including the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund and was agreed upon”. Reconfiguration of Bangsamoro Area: This has not been mentioned as part of the peace roadmap. But since it is the idea of President Duterte – besides appearing to be the realistic solution to the evident disunity between the Sulu-based and mainland Mindanao-based Moro fronts and constituents – it may be considered in the configuration of the federal states. Or, the Implementing Panels can suggest to the BTC to give it a second thought. Dr. Julkipli Wadi, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines, aptly observed in his article, “Du30, Peace Process, and the Moro Struggle”: “…the Bangsamoro peace process has long become a “narrative of tragedies” where the beginning of the term of certain administration often starts with so high a promise of peace only to deteriorate at the middle or end of its term” (Mindanews: 7/14/16), In all peace agreements and legislations to address the Mindanao Problem, the Moros were made happy with hope for ultimate deliverance from injustices and realization of their long-time aspirations only to be denied eventually, each time, of the promise of life in peace, prosperity, contentment and human dignity. Will President Duterte’s peace end differently – in fulfillment? (to be continued) (Patricio P. Diaz is a recipient of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Titus Brandsma for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate. E-mail: patpdiazgsc@yahoo.com. -Mindanews)