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Province of Cotobato v. GRP Peace Panel. [ SEPARATE CONCURRING OPINION PUNO, C.J ]

THE PROVINCE OF NORTH COTABATO, duly represented by GOVERNOR JESUS SACDALAN and/or VICE-GOVERNOR EMMANUEL PINOL, for and in his own behalf, Petitioners, versus THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES PEACE PANEL ON ANCESTRAL DOMAIN (GRP), represented by SEC. RODOLFO GARCIA, ATTY. LEAH ARMAMENTO, ATTY. SEDFREY CANDELARIA, MARK RYAN SULLIVAN and/or GEN. HERMOGENES ESPERON, JR., the latter in his capacity as the present and duly-appointed Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPEOPLE) or the so-called Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Respondents. [ SEPARATE CONCURRING OPINION PUNO, C.J ]

G.R. No. 183591 | 2008-10-14

SEPARATE CONCURRING OPINION 

PUNO, C.J.: 

It is the duty of the government to seek a just, comprehensive and enduring peace with any rebel group but the search for peace must always be in accord with the Constitution. Any search for peace that undercuts the Constitution must be struck down. Peace in breach of the Constitution is worse than worthless. 

I. Historical Roots 

A historical perspective of our Muslim problem is helpful. 

From time immemorial, an enduring peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao has eluded our grasp. Our Muslim problem exploded in March of 1968 when Muslim trainees were...