By Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari will reportedly no longer participate in the discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza said Misuari, former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor, prefers to work on the proposed shift to federalism in the country.

“Nagsabi na si Nur Misuari na hindi na siya doon muna mag-participate sa BBL (Bangsamoro Basic law) [Nur Misuari said he will no longer participate in the BBL] because he will be waiting for federalism. That is what he would like to work on when we shift to a federal setup,” Dureza said in a media interview at the Palace.

Misuari, who led the MNLF in forging a peace pact with the then Ramos administration, was supposed to submit an amendatory law to enhance the ARMM.

Meantime, Dureza said Misuari will have to deal with his latest legal problem concerning an administrative case when he was ARMM governor. The Sandiganbayan earlier ordered the arrest of Misuari in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of P115 million in education materials.

“He will have to deal with it legally,” Dureza said. “It’s an issue when he was governor of ARMM,” he added.