Oral arguments in the Supreme Court on GRP-MILF MOA-AD (Aug 22 ’08)

The memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain would, if signed, give the MILF a status of belligerency, said former UP dean Pacifico Agabin. During the day-long hearing, the justices asked if the earlier plebiscites could be considered a form of consultation, and challenged some of the lawyers about their right to represent their clients. Notes to follow later.

North Cotabato lawyer gives media interviews during the lunch break.

Members of the government peace panel in a huddle after everyone has left during a break in the hearing.

Classes resume in Metro Manila on Aug 21 ’08

As of 8:41 p.m, August 20, 2008, there will be classes on Thursday, August 21, according to Malacanang deputy spokesman Anthony Golez.

Government backs out of MOA on ancestral domain

Government officials brief the diplomatic corps on the latest in Mindanao and the peace talks.

The government is backing out of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain. Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said that was the gist of the petition the Solicitor General filed with the Supreme Court. One diplomat asked about land mines, and AFP chief of staff Gen. Yano said yes, land mines were used by the MILF rebels in some areas in Mindanao. Asked to assess the situation, Yano said it was “fluid and very volatile.” Read on for more raw data.

Esperon on the MOA, 2 days before the hostilities erupted

Peace adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr: The plebiscite will be highest form of consultation.

On August 14, 2008, Peace Advisor Hermogenes Esperon Jr. briefed FOCAP on the peace talks. At that time, he was hopeful about the peace talks. Notes on his FOCAP briefing.

No classes in all levels in Metro Manila today (Aug20 ’08)

Yey!!! NO CLASSES IN ALL LEVELS IN METRO MANILA TODAY, AUGUST 20, 2008, STARTING 12 NOON.

Teodoro, Puno, Dureza presscon on Mindanao (Aug18 ’08)

Random notes from a presscon given in Malacanang by Press Secretary Jess Dureza, with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Interior and Local Government Secretary Puno. These are incomplete notes and may be hard to understand. But I want non-reporters to have an idea of what our government officials are saying, since the stories can only use some of their quotes. The stories, however, would be shorter and have an analysis. The transcripts and notes are raw data.

MILF peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on ANC

MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal was interviewed on ANC (channel 27 on Skycable). He said the peace process was on track as far as the MILF leadership was concerned.

Military officer among the casualties in Mindanao fighting

A military lieutenant colonel, Angel Benitez, was among those killed in the latest fighting in Mindanao. A military officer I talked to said the situation is serious.

GMA, AFP on Mindanao (Aug 18 ’08)

GMA this morning called on the military and the police to “defend every inch” of Mindanao. GMA’s statement here as well as notes on the military’s press conference this morning.

Munoz vs Barrio

FELICIDAD P. MUÑOZ vs. JOSE DEL BARRIO. We couldn’t find this case on the Internet, so I decided to post it here. This is for all the law students who also have to work, and are forced to do most of their research on the Internet instead of in the library (not to mention during office hours, after class, or midnight onwards). Buti nga may Internet na. As a law student, I am eternally grateful to the law firms and schools who have made their libraries available online.