Moros grateful to Aquinos
THE Muslim community in general is more inclined toward Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, said former senator and respected Muslim scholar Doctor Santanina Rasul.
The inclination, however, is more because of Aquino's parents.
The Muslims are grateful of the Aquinos for being pioneers of the peace process between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Government of the Philippines (GRP), said Rasul, who is also chair of the Magbassa Kita Foundation Incorporated (MKFI).
"Before, there was the agreement between the MNLF and the (GRP) Ninoy (former senator Benigno Aquino) has been very committed to its creation. He talked with the MNLF in Saudi Arabia and he gave his approval to grant the Muslims their own autonomous region," Rasul said in an interview at Waterfront Insular Hotel in an event MKFI co-organized.
"During the time of the late President Cory Aquino, the crafting of the peace pact between the MNLF and the GRP began and this was carried on to the administration of former President Fidel Ramos," Rasul said.
As to whether there will be a "unity vote" among the Muslim community, Rasul doubts it.
"Kanya-kanya naman talaga yung pagboboto ng Muslim community and I hope there won't be any forcing to vote for a particular candidate," Rasul said. (JCZ)