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Genuine Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano is meticulous and particular about details.
At the library of the Kapunan, Tamano, Villadolid & Associates law firm, where he is a partner, he mechanically shelves the hardbound reference books lying on the table, at the same time answering questions thrown at him with the ease of someone used to the pressure in the courtroom. “Don’t mind me,” he says, “I’m really like this.”
Even in casual, non-legal conversations, he refers to “arguments” or “thesis,” and he presents facts in list-style, like he would in a case.
Appearing for the first time in public in February 2007 as GO spokesperson, Adel caught people’s interest not only because of his interestingly familiar surname (he is the eighth of the late senator Mamintal “Mike” Tamano’s nine children) but also for being a refreshing face in the otherwise bleak political scene.
We initially thought Adel was short for something, but the university plaques displayed at his small Ortigas office spelled it out in full: Adel Abbas Tamano.
“Adel is Arabic for ‘lover of justice,’” Atty Tamano shares. “Ang baduy,” he quips. His late father, also a lawyer, had amazing foresight.
Born into a family of lawyers, Adel was expected to continue the tradition, but his heart was on something else. “I wanted to be a writer,” he confides, but his father discouraged him from pursuing it. In the end, Adel acquiesced, taking up economics at the Ateneo de Manila University and later earning a master’s in public administration in UP Diliman.
Being a Muslim Filipino, Adel admits to an “ironic discrimination” that he experiences despite the fact that he looks “normal,” but it was during his yearlong stay in Harvard Law School, between 2004 and 2005, that he felt comfortable in his own skin.
There he met Muslims who were blond and blue-eyed and wore mini skirts, a stark contrast to their Arabic, hijab-wearing counterparts. Adel would come home to the Philippines enriched by the multicultural experience, a lesson he intoned in the commencement exercise that he would deliver to the 2005 graduating class.
Fast-forward to two years later, Adel would be tapped by the Genuine Opposition, first as a senatorial candidate (an offer he turned down), and later as spokesperson. During the campaign sorties, he met his father’s old friends and associates, and felt the good fortune of “[having] a good father who left me with a ‘good name.’”
True, it was his father’s reputation that opened doors for him, but today he is stepping away from his father’s shadow and earning a name for himself.
The lawyer has a busy schedule: with press conferences on top of his legal work and Saturday classes (he teaches constitutional law at Far Eastern University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Ateneo de Manila University), it’s amazing that he still finds some parenting time for his two boys, Santi, 4, and Mike, 1, by his wife of eight years, Rowena Kapunan, also a lawyer (her father is retired Supreme Court justice Santiago Kapunan).
“I don’t have any spare time!” he exclaims when asked what he does when he’s free. “If I did, I go to the gym, which is at least thrice a week. But I really don’t consider that spare time because for me, it’s work. I consider it part of lawyering and teaching: you have to take care of yourself because it’s part of how you present yourself to the public,” he divulges.
“I feel it takes away from your being effective if you [let yourself go].” Not that he enjoys going to the gym. “I’d rather read a book,” he laughs.
A strange phenomenon, Adel shares, is that his law office—while initially handling appellate cases, the ones before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court—is seeing a rise in annulment suits.
“We’re developing an expertise on annulment. Ang daming taong nagpapa-annul! And they’re much younger now. But really, some of the things Filipino men do—it’s just too much!” he shakes his head.
“I’m not for divorce,” he reveals, although, he says, Islam allows it, with some reservations. “There’s a saying in Islam that goes, ‘Of all the things that God allows, what is most hateful is divorce.’ It would be a last option.”
In this Q&A with PinoyCentric, Atty. Adel Tamano talks about how it was growing up a senator’s son and a Moro, his experiences in Harvard, and why he’s proud to be Filipino.
Do you remember your first public appearance as GO spokesperson?
The very first was the Sunday before we presented our senatorial slate—the last day for filing the certificates of candidacy was February 11. That was when I was introduced as the GO spokesman.
How did you become the spokesperson for GO?
I was at first offered to be a candidate. Sometime in January 2007, the so-called civil society groups were endorsing three people: Sonia Roco, Antonio Trillanes, and myself as candidates. I was offered to run for the opposition. Pinag-isipan ko, but I wasn’t all that sure. When the administration heard that I was going to run for the opposition, they offered me to be a Muslim candidate. I declined both offers and said I’d prefer to do something else, so when GO asked me to be a spokesperson, I said yes.
Have you always been with the opposition?
I’m not really into politics, and I was not with any political party. My stance in issues such as the impeachment, Daniel Smith’s custody, charter change, and in my cases and the papers I wrote, has always been against the administration.
Have you always wanted to be a lawyer?
No. In fact, the college course of my choice was English. I wanted to be a writer, but my dad dissuaded me. Sabi niya walang pera dun, so I took up economics.
My father was a lawyer, and my paternal and maternal grandfathers were judges, and my uncles were all lawyers. My father was disappointed that nobody wanted to take up law at the time, so I was the one who pursued it. But it wasn’t really because I wanted to.
So among your eight siblings, you’re the only one who’s a lawyer?
Dalawa na [There are two of us now]. My younger brother also took up law after I did.
Do you think being the son of a former senator helped you a lot in breaking into politics?
One of the reasons I was drafted by both camps was because of the family name. Yung name recall importante sa politics. So on that score, malaking tulong yun sa akin. During the campaign, I met a lot of people who knew my dad, and his good will, which transferred to me, was a big help.
What were the challenges of growing up the son of a political figure and being Moro at the same time?
My dad was a senator in 1969. I wasn’t born yet. And then Marcos declared martial law and my dad had to leave the country. He was one of the first OFWs. So I grew up not being able to see my dad so much. And then he became a senator again in 1986. High school na ako in Manila. I honestly didn’t feel it that much because one, I was kinda young so I didn’t really care, and two, I was a nerd.
What were your interests then?
I was into books, mostly science fiction. I was also with the Kundirana. It’s a singing group. I was a nerd. And since I was one, di ko masyadong na-experience yung perks or advantages of being a senator’s son. One thing that I didn’t enjoy that much was always having someone in your house. As early as five in the morning, there’s someone in your house asking for help. That’s how politicians are. I really didn’t grasp what it was like to be a senator until I was much older, and [by that time] hindi na siya senator and namatay na siya.
So you’ve never lived in Mindanao?
You also have to understand that a lot of it was historical. When my dad became senator, the family had to transfer to Manila. [This was in the] 1970s, the conflict in Mindanao: the Jabidah Massacre, the conflict in Jolo.
If you recall, there’s a place in Quiapo that’s called the Center. It’s a Muslim center. That’s where the refugees were. [There's another one in] Taguig, [the Maharlika Village].
[Security] was one of the reasons we stayed in Manila. And also because education was better here.
Were you conscious of your being Muslim as you were growing up?
The discrimination—yes. We were practicing Muslims. Up to now I still am, although I am married to a Christian.
Ang discriminations sa akin is strange. This is how it works for me: Most people don’t think I’m a Muslim because they have a stereotype of what a Muslim sounds or looks like. So [then I am able to] enter social groups and I hear people say certain things. For example, may nakidnap ang Abu Sayaff. They’d say, “Grabe talaga ang mga Muslim na to.” Or “Okay sana sa Mindanao, marami lang Muslim.”
These things slip out and then my friends or associates would [realize that I’m there,] and they’d say, “Ay, sorry pala.” So the discrimination is still there.
There are many types of discrimination, and one of them is stereotyping, which is basically judging people not on the basis of who they are but of what group or tribe or religion they represent. So my experience with discrimination is ironic in the sense na hindi ako dini-discriminate.
For example, there are guys who are obviously Muslim. These are the ones who have the long beard and white clothes and they have a thing on their head. It’s so hard for them to get a taxicab. Or like the women wearing the hijab; it’s also hard for them to get a ride. But ako, it’s easy for me because I look “normal,” I guess, or nonstereotypical Moro. But since I’m a Moro, mas masakit sa akin na nakikita ko yun.
My experience with discrimination has made me very sensitive, because I see both sides. Yung stereotypical na Moro, di niya nae-experience yun. Ang nae-experience niya ay di niya nakukuha ang taxi. The resentment or the anger that he feels is different from me, who is a Muslim but is treated better.
Discrimination is real. It’s not something that’s a figment or a perception, but I see it firsthand because I see both sides. You get into these secret places where people are able to show you how they really feel.
I have a question about the terms “Moro” and “Muslim.” You seem to use “Moro” more frequently in your writing and oral references. What is the correct term?
I use Moro because it has an ethnic connotation. There’s this concept of Bangsamoro, which is a fictional and romanticized concept. Before the colonization of the Philippines, people were grouped according to tribes or sultanates, and they just never considered themselves as belonging to one nation. But in the 1970s, because of the conflict in Mindanao, which was aimed at Muslims, regardless of their tribe, this idea rose that something connected all these tribes came together, and hence the idea of the Bangsamoro came out. The Bangsamoro Liberation Movement was a precursor to the MILF and MNLF, etc.
Moro has many nuances. There’s the ethnic aspect that I am indigenous to, in a sense. There’s also the religious aspect. When you say Moro, it’s part of being Muslim. It also has the connotation of a longing for statehood.
When you say Moro, you’re referring to Bangsamoro. But with Muslim, it’s purely religious and it’s just a person who believes in the tenets of Islam.
When you were growing up, did you have a lot of Moro friends?
My friends when I was growing up were my relatives. I had lots of cousins. And looking back, I did not have a lot of friends. I was always reading. I preferred reading over basketball.
Can you tell us about your experiences in Harvard? How many Filipinos were there in your class?
In Harvard Law School, there were only two Filipinos. It was me and a girl by the name of Mona Katigbak from UP Law.
There are so many things that you can say about Harvard: from the physical experience of seeing the place and being away from my kid and my wife for the first time.
I had very strong experiences in Harvard. It opened my mind to so many things. Harvard was really a time of intellectual growth for me. I had classmates from over 60 countries, and when you interact with so many people, with so many aspects of culture, religion, and language, you can’t help but be enriched if you are open to the experience.
The experience taught me to deconstruct ideas and understand complexities. I had always been a reductionist before I got to Harvard, always trying to find the base of an idea, and I would stick to the basic. That was my fallback. But in Harvard, you’re surrounded with all these great minds, intellectual giants in the worldwide legal system. It was a mind-blowing experience.
Another take-away was that we can compete. Kung pagalingan lang, in terms of the legal aspect, we can really match any country. I walked away feeling, ang galing talaga ng Filipino.
One thing about the Harvard library—it’s supposedly one of the biggest collections in the world—if you need a book and the library does not have it, they will order it for you. Ganun kayaman at ka-advance ang library na yun.
Culturally, what were the adjustments that you had to make in Harvard as a Filipino and a Moro?
I was there after 9/11, and during that time, Harvard was bringing in a lot of Muslim scholars, so it had a united Muslim community. Since it was after September 11, there was really discrimination among Muslims and it made us stick together. We would pray together.
Having that big Muslim community taught me that [there are many] permutations in being a Muslim. There is no stereotype. I met Muslims who were blond and blue-eyed. And I also met Muslims who were Arabic and wore the hijab. I didn’t have to adjust that much because there was already a Muslim community.
I also realized that the Philippine culture is so akin to the American culture. I was working part-time in the law school library to pay my bills. The people who worked there—natives, not foreign students—were surprised over the similarity of our cultures. They’d talk about a certain type of music, and [they’d be surprised that] alam ko rin. So there wasn’t really that much of an adjustment.
You were asked to deliver the commencement address. Does that mean that you graduated as valedictorian or with honors?
The interesting thing in Harvard is that walang valedictorian, walang salutatorian, walang cum laude—at least from what I saw and what my professor explained to me. When we are called, we are just given the certificates. My professor said, the mere fact that you graduated from Harvard is already your badge na magaling ka.
But to choose the commencement speaker, they have to vote for you. It’s a competition. You give your name; people will vote. And the basis of the competition is, you give a draft of what you’re gonna say.
What was your message?
My basic thesis was, the strength of Harvard Law School and its graduates was the fact that the university was multicultural. It wasn’t because of the courses per se, but it was because you had all these scholars from 60 countries and you put them in this melting pot, and what you get from them is just so special.
My second point was, when you leave Harvard, you have to do something with your education.
It was a very good experience. I had people crying, according to the e-mails I received. They were moved because the usual commencement address is, “We’re so great, we’re from Harvard,” and the message is so light and they make jokes.
My tone was very different. My challenge was, after you graduate, what are you gonna do with your life? Make an impact on the world, and then you can say na magaling ka. I felt it shocked the audience.
It’s weird because I looked it up on Google, and there was no mention of it.
In the Philippines, no one mentioned it. I was a bit piqued by that—not for my own personal glory.
The commencement address was on June 12, and I was on the plane to the Philippines the day after. When I got home, the front page news was we had someone who placed second in a beauty pageant and Manny Pacquiao knocking out someone. And I was thinking, Is my achievement much less than a beauty queen and a boxer winning?
Modesty aside, I was the first Muslim Filipino in Harvard, on a Harvard scholarship. It was not personally funded; it was Harvard funding my education. I thought, Do we value intellectual pursuits so low? It did bother me a bit. I guess, in a way, it shows what our society is and what we value.
So when you came home from Harvard, did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to pursue?
No, I did not. When I came home, I wanted to teach and practice law. I didn’t really think of anything political.
So what are your political plans? Are you running for the senate in 2010?
The safe answer would be, let’s wait and see. But people are encouraging me to run because we need a Muslim representative. By 2010, we would not have a Muslim representative for 20 years. The last one was Santanina Rasul, who finished her term in 1992, I think. People feel I am in the best position to run in terms of the national exposure [I have had]. But if I am going to run, it’ll definitely be that—for the senate. But a lot of things have to come together.
[Running for public office] involves so much money, so much organization. If I don’t have that, I can’t run. If I run and I don’t have a chance of winning, it will be a big blow to us Muslims. In the last four or five elections, all our candidates lost. Not a single Muslim candidate ever made it. If it reaches that point, the public consciousness or verdict will be, “Ah, basta Muslim, talo yan, wag na natin ibuwis ang vote.”
But on the other hand, if you win, you’ll be creating a space or room for other Muslim candidates. That’s why I think whoever’s gonna run for the Muslims should be well-positioned and well-prepared.
And maybe it was a good thing too that you started as spokesperson, that it seemed to be a preparation for the senatorial bid.
It’s true, but honestly I did not do it consciously. One of the big reasons I decided to be a spokesman was that I have kids now and when you see where the country is going, you have to take a stand.
I felt I would be best able to take a stand and try to contribute something by being a spokesman. I did not expect the national exposure.
The difference between the 2007 and the 2010 elections is that the first is midterm, which means walang presidential. There’s less politics, less preparation involved. Kung may presidential, you’d have to start preparing your senatorial group much earlier because the candidacy is strengthened or diminished by the senatorial line-up.
So the run-up to the 2010 presidential and senatorial elections will be much earlier. Yung 2007 elections kasi, pumupuwesto 2006 lang. In fact, some of them December lang. But for 2010, by next year—actually, kahit ngayon pa lang—pumupuwesto na sila ng konti. By 2008, they’d start preparing their line-up, making their gestures and symbols that they’re running.
My point is, if I wanted to run for the senate, I should have begun earlier than those who ran for 2007.
Should you run for public office, what will be your platform? What are the issues you want to address?
Definitely the main issue, and the one most people would want me to fulfill as a role, is the Muslim representation.
My approach, whether in my teaching or writing, is I am not a person who advocates only Muslim concepts and ideas. I am a Muslim, and these are my ideas. In other words, [Muslim issues] would not be my single platform because the Muslim population is only about 5 percent. For you to become senator, you need at least 13 million votes, with the Muslim vote there being 1.5 million. So 80 percent of your votes will be taken from the non-Muslim, so you can’t be a representative for the Muslim. You must also advocate platforms that do not just focus on Muslim issues.
As I am an academic, the issue that is closest to me is education.
Have you always been this busy? Or was it only because of your involvement in politics?
I’ve always been busy. Even before becoming the GO spokesperson, I had my teaching, law practice, and taking care of the kids. If I have some free time, I write articles. I also wrote a book. I try to keep myself busy.
You started a blog!
I started a blog but I don’t know how to keep it up. I don’t know what you’re supposed to keep in a blog. I need someone to teach me how to do it. Hindi ko nga masyadong maintindihan. Someone has to sit me down and explain. I’m a nerd basically. I don’t have any hobbies. I only read.
What books have you been reading lately—something not related to law?
I’ve been re-reading The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It’s a great book to read and re-read.
But it doesn’t seem like bedtime reading.
I don’t do bedtime reading. I do not read for pleasure. I only read for knowledge. I read Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Have you read it?
No, I didn’t get to finish it!
It’s the most boring book! But I read it because it was a classic. It just keeps on talking about longitude and latitude, ano bang nangyari bakit nagki-keel over ang boat. I forced myself to read it for my dad. When we were growing up, he’d make us read books and we’d write a book report.
This was how often?
Once or twice a month. He’d choose the title, and he’d give us a prize. Maybe twenty pesos noon.
Last question: What is it about the Philippines that you are most proud of?
The Filipino. It’s nothing geographical. Ang galing ng Pinoy.
For example, in singing. I’m a frustrated singer, but my Boston classmates were bilib na bilib sa singing prowess ko, so to speak. And I tell them, “You know I’m just average. If you make the Filipino sing, he does it beautifully.” My Harvard classmates tell me that if they had a gift they could have, they’d want to be able to sing.
Another thing is, ang bait ng Pinoy. When I was working in the library at Harvard, gulat na gulat ang mga co-workers ko at what they perceive na kabaitan natin. When the Filipino sees someone, with his heart he asks, “How are you doing?” Sila kasi, they say it, but they don’t look at you. They don’t really mean it. It’s just the norm. But tayo, we care. That’s why we make good caregivers. Students tell me they did not experience the type of service na concerned ka.
It’s just sad that we have a lot lousy leaders. But the Filipino is a gem. That’s why I came back [even though] I had a real offer with the United Nations and could have had the chance to work with the World Bank.
Iba ang buhay dito. Walang sinabi ang sa Boston. Lahat naman ng meron sila, meron tayo eh. Mas maganda pang malls natin. Pagkain natin mas masarap. Ang tao mas mabait. It’s just that there’s an inequitable distribution of wealth and we have corrupt leaders. But the quality of life, I feel, is so much better.
Just to be able to survive in spite of the corruption of so many of our leaders, that’s a testament to our resiliency.
Adel Tamano’s commencement speech in Harvard runs here.
Photo captions: top right: at the 48th Araw ng Kutabato celebration; middle left: with wife Rowena; bottom right: at Harvard’s Wyeth Dorm
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Wow, now that’s a gem of a Filipino! Hat’s off to Adel Tamano.
i am so proud of you Sir. Thanks for this interview. :)
Proud ako bilang isang Moro dahil nakikita ko sa kay ATTY. ADEL A.TAMANO. Ikaw ang isa sa mga ilaw ng kabataang Moro sa Mindanao. Magsisilbi kang gamot ng discrimination na kung Muslim ay walang alam at lahat savage. At nagbibigay ka ng kaalaman sa mga non-Muslim people from the north na hindi dapat i discriminate ang isang tao dahil sa kanyang relihiyon o tribu. Allahu Akbar!!!!!ADEL!!!
Alhamdulillah,,,.
First and foremost I’d like to congratulate you Atty. Adel for the achievements that you have reached that includes giving good image of the Bangsamoro to the public by your own ways and for the efforts and ideas that you gave and are continue sharing to our people. How I wish na humaba haba ang buhay mo at dumami ang Moro person like you. Why, because a Moro person like you is what the Bangsamoro People need. YOU ARE THE EFFECTIVE TOOL for the success of the Bangsamoro strugle and a PERFECT MODEL to our generation. If dumami ang katulad mo, eh di, we Moro people will not be discriminated anymore and ARMM as will as the Philippine country as a hole will be urbanized.
It’s my lost kc diko man lang nakausap ang IDOL ko, napapanood lang kita sa TV when I was there in Penas. I am presently working as secretary in PEST CONTROL AND SANITATION UNIT here in SAUDI ARAMCO and believe it or not your speech that you have delivered in Harvard is the background in my computer (screen). I even have printed a copies of it and share it to my colleagues here (Saudis, Indians and Penoy). Syempre proud ako kc we’re both MORO.
Anyways thank you again for being a GREAT PRIDE of BANGSAMORO. Congratulation, may ALLAH guide you in your life’s journey. -SALAM
Your an additional gem in any institution.
IDOL!
Sir Adel
Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh.
Saludo ako saiyo ang galing mo MasaAllah. Sana marami pang katulad mo at sana mawala na ang DISKRIMINASYON na iyan di lamang sa ating mga mamamayang MORO kundi sa lahat ng tao naghihirap dahil sa kagagawan nang iilan lamang at dahil tao rin tayo na may puso’t damdamin marunong masaktan. MABUHAY KA!!! MABUHAY ANG PRESIDENTE!!! CONGRATS
On this pressing time, we need a people like Atty. Adel Tamano to lead and guide our country. Brilliant and very enthusiastic are one of some charactristics of Atty. Adel. If he’ll run in 2010 we will support him…
president ng iskul nmin si sir nakasalubong namin knina at gwapings po talaga simple tsaka maBANgo hahahaha…..Keep it up po
Mabuhay ka Atty Tamano,
Magsilbi kang idolo ng mga kababayan natin muslim at sanay tuloy tuloy ang mabuti mong hangarin sa bayan Pilipinas at mga Mulim Filipinos.
Sana Cristiyan o muslim magkaisa na para sa bansang Pilipinas
Assalamualaykum…Mashaallah!lahat ng papuri sa’yo brod.Adel,ay super na nakakalaki ng puso.sa totoo lang napaiyak ako sa comments ng mga sumolat sa’yo.wala na akong masabi pa dahil nasabi na nila lahat.just dont forget your 5xa day daily prayer.for your protection,guidance and obligation to ourAlmigthy Allah.nshaallah lagi kang kasama sa mga dowaa ko.yaph i admit na very proud ako sa’yo Mashaallah.Nshaallah mganak ako this coming oct.ipangalan ko ang name mo.hinde lang kc sa idol kita as a moro. good meaning din sa islam …Adel…The justice.Fii Amannallah!
wooh…MABUHAY ang new PRESIDENT ng PLM…
Namit q na din xa in person…tas biglang ambush interview pa..
SALAMAT ng marami…
BLESS US…PAMANTASAN
Sir, thank you for making me proud of being a Filipino again.
Wahh nakita ko na si sir eh…
nagprapractice kami sa pep ng dumating xa at pinanood kami
after practice sabay sabi na kung may maitutulong daw ang office nya sa mga compet namin sabihin lang daw… kya un. MAY UNIFORM NA KAMI!!!
salamat po sir!!!
WELCOME TO PAMANTASAN
Bilib ako kay adel, i think hindi na kailangang pag-isipan pa ang political career nya for 2010. at para po sa akin sure winner at pwede pang mag number one senator sa election.
amazing!haha…so nice talaga si sir adel! hehe…
im glad and very thankfull to God ur there to speak and teach as a muslim. hope youth will be guided by your teaching and knowledge. praying for your continue success in this life and hereafter. God bless and more power… mohjam
wHat a gReat yOung moRo Atty. Adel tamano is!We are very much proud of you…we are really looking forward to see you soon here in Lanao…Long Live!
i really idolized you everytime i saw on the tv i just make screamed hahaha im proud of you syempre talino mo eiy tlaga sir hehe i just hope too see in person Heheh….
Mr Adel Tamano,
assalumalaykum..mashaallah mashaallah sana dumami pa po ang katulad nyong muslim na nghahangad ng kabutihan para sa atin,super proud po kami sa mga achievements nyo.my sis just arrived from riyadh at kayo po ang topic namin kagabi just wanna let you know po na hndi lang mga kababayan mng muslim ang proud sayo dun kundi pati mga christians na amazed sayo everytime they watches over tfc.may allah always guide you and protect you from all kinds of evil.
Salam!
dont wory kuya adel if they didn’t get to mention your achievement in Harvard.. they just missed a remarkable contribution.. it really feels bad that the government gives less attention to things like that.. what more when they blame us (muslims) everytime there are violences around.. u r already making a name of u r own.. u already have a lot of fans/supporters(both muslims&christians)and they’re increasing in # (believe me).. take hold of this opportunity kuya adel.. don’t fail us … i know will not!!
thanks a lot!!
ALLAH BLESS……
I Salute Atty. Adel Tamano!
I got curious when i saw him being introduced as the GO spokesman last Feb. if I’m not mistaken. from then on I’ve been interested about him. I was sure of my feeling that he is a good man and after a lot of surfing the net about him,I can relly say that I’m right afterall.
He is an epitome of a leader.I don’t mean politics, but if he decides to run, I will surely support him and maybe campaign for him. i saw him one time, when he got irritated by a statement of a certain fellow named Tonypet Albano’ and it made me happy because in those times, he chose to be honest to what he feels than just hide it. For me, he ia one of the truest persons connected to poltics.
I also admire his passion for learning and look at his achievements yet he stayed grounded. He will be the new hope of the innocent Muslims who are experiencing discrimination until now.
So, to Atty. Adel…. Just go on, do the right thing because your a beautiful soul.
Good afternoon….i read your interview and im so impressed most especially on how you have dealth in being a Muslim….i have seen you as a spokesperson of the GO..and its refreshing to know that there is still some people who has sense…..
Assalamo alaikom,i was surprised when i saw u in the t.v and they announced that u r the new GO spokesperson. i felt something n parang nabuhayan ang loob ko at the same time i was pruod that ther is a new face moro that i proud of,i research a lot about ur life and i re-read it becouse it makes me more encouraging to my study,that i want to be like you na makaalis sa masamang imahe ng pagiging moro!good luck,and i know only Allah would know what is in ur heart….
Nice to see the Harvard Law Library gets a little mention!
A pleasant morning po sayo Mr. Spokesman para saakin tama lang talaga na bumalik ka dito sa Pilippines because what ever you do theres no place like home aside from that maganda ang pamumuhay d2 sa Philippines.Anyway when I saw you in personal,the first thing that comes on my mind is “mabait” dahil the way you talk its very great talaga kaya hinirang din kitang isa sa pinaka Idol ko your the BEST po!aside from that hindi mo ikinubli na ika’y isang Muslim…
May ALLAH gives you a showering blessing!!!!! Tnx
assalamu alaikum….
good day sir….
u’r truly a bangsamoro….
we’re proud of you
Sir Adel
thanks sir, your my IDOL keep it up…
atty adel..verily you are extraordinary moro leader….
indeed….you are one in a million great pilipino muslin leader in this troubled times….allahu akbar
I’m impressed! Keep up the good work, the country needs young blood like you. We’ll support you in your bid to become a senator. Good luck!
iam very proud to my one and only idol!! he’s a real genious! being a maranaw-muslim, i am really proud and happy to have him as my fellow muslim! he’s really our pride! he’s one of a kind,really!! he don’t know my existence but i know a lot ’bout him! sinusubay-bayan ko kasi sya! i am also collecting any picture of him in the manila bulletin newspaper!.. hay…how i wish to meet him in personal! that’s odd but meeting him personally is one of my dream,i swear!!!
puedeng peuede na maging isang senator Si Atty. Adel Tamano.. una siya sa isusulat ko.. ang katulad nya ang kainlangan mamuno sa ating bansa ngayon..
does anybody knows atty. tamano’s number… OJT na namin… I want to work there… kahit number ng law office nya…thanks(”,)
pa mail na lang po sa nicoelaiee_23@yahoo.com
sir adel, i salute u, (i come from cotabato city).kailangan talaga nating taga mindanao na magkaroon ng senator na muslim sa senado para naman represented tayo sa mataas na kapulungan. like Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago na graduate ng harvard, kailangan talaga natin ng mga bright minds sa senate. me and my whole family will vote for you comes 2010, mabuhay.
i want also to be lyk you but it seems its hard to do it…help people lyk me
thank you sir for giving us clarification about moro and muslim,im a christian but i never consider you as not,i salute you sir!!!
Sir: would like to know the email address or contact number of Atty. Adel Tamano, gusto ko siyang makausap tungkol sa anak ko na anak na nasa Egyptang ama ay isang powerful Egyptian (Member Parliament)at bilyonaryong negosyante sa Cairo na hindi ipinapakita sa akin sa loobng pitong taon na po…sana bigyan niya ako ng panahonpara makausap. Nanalo na po ako sa alimony ng isang taon na pong granted ang alimony reward ko pero hanggang ngayon wala pa pong nangyayri at yun po ay handle ng Phil Embassy sa Egypt under the care of Consul Abiquivil, sana magkaroon kao ng chance na makausap at magkaron ng appoitment po sa kanya alang alang po sa anak kong matagal na nawalay sa akin sana makausap ko man lamang at itong pong Egyptian na ito ay patuloy po akong hinaharass dito sa sarili kong bansa at nagbabayad ng malaki para isampa ang mga kaso laban sa akin
ang galing talga ni sir adel :) super bait pa. pumayag xang mgpainterview. aun. super naexcit tuloy aq. haha. nung day na ng interview, edi ngkita na kami sa mall. sa restaurant. 3 kmi nginterview. tpos xa pa ngbayad ng kinain namin. nkkhiya. sbi nia kc dw xa ln naman daw ang ngttrabaho samin kaya dpt xa dw mgbayad. aun. nkakatuwa. haha. super dami niang shinare and ang gnda ng mga sagot nia sa questions namin .. aun ok naman ung projet. thanks to mr. tamano!!! :) my idol!!
salam.keep up d good wok idol….
-sir adel tamano i salute u and i proud of u my only one idol!!!!
-im fatmah im proud of you!!!
-kEEp ur good work!!!
- well first time i saw you in television, i was impressed and you became the person who i look up to… then when i reached my senior year in high school i had a teacher in economics and world history Mrs.Cora Kastiri… she’s a volunteer but she also full time professor in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. whenever she gets the chance to talk about herself she would always talk about the events in PLM… one time she mentioned about the president of PLM who is intellectual, handsome, and friendly. that president always smiles at the prof and students. My teacher said that she has a crush on Mr.Adel Tamano.
sir i hope you stay humble, down to earth, friendly and always stand up for what is right…
God Bless to you and your family and also to our beautiful nation. peace out
Assalamu Alaykom, the first time i saw you on television as GO spokeperson,i already admire you. You uplifted the the Moros in a way, because of your great speaches. You’re the first Muslim that can deliver well your speaches. I admire you more when you visited us here in NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY of Cotabato. Aside from having great minds, you’re great person inside and out. Thank you for sharing your time with the faculty. Inshaallah, you will be a successful senator in 2010. More Power, Sir!
Atty.
palagay ko you will be a rallying point (somehow) to unify Christian and Muslim at guwapo pa tulad ko hehehe
hello there,
i just hope you’re not like those “trapos”. i like your style just like chiz & zubirri, i’m a big fan.
i wish i could be of help, i’m from bulacan and good at conducting seminars or workshops.
assalamoalaikom..
you are a muslim right?
a lot of people say that they are a muslim but their action contradicts them when you say you are a muslim you are bringing the name of Allah..unbeliever might see your action
so you must careful what you will do that your not bring shame to Allah..
i hope you are one of those good followers in our religion islam..
you are a muslim so you must be a good example of our religion ..
my dearest brother in islam,
assalamo alaikom
be a good muslim my dearest brother in islam
..be a true and good example of our religion
don’t allow your self to love this world cause too much loving in this world is dangerous this world is temporarily only ..
we must not forget our life in hereafter..hope you are always pray to Allah ..and god fearing..
im only a person who concern about your life in hereafter
..
“knowledge and beauty is really nothing without faith in Allah…”
massalam ya akie..
God be with you
THE END
It was early in the morning at four,
When death knocked upon a bedroom door,
Who is there? The sleeping one cried.
I’m Malkul Mawt, let me inside.
At once, the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,
He shouted to his sleeping wife,
Don’t let him take away my life.
Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone; I’m not ready yet.
My family on me depends,
Give me a chance, O please prepense!
The angel knocked again and again…….
,
Friend! I’ll take your life without a pain,
Tis your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desire.
Bewildered, the man began to cry,
O Angel I’m so afraid to die,
I’ll give you gold and be your slave,
Don’t send me to the unlit grave.
Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said,
Open the door; get up from your bed,
If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a Jinn.
The man held a gun in his right hand,
Ready to defy the Angel’s stand.
I’ll point my gun, towards your head,
You dare come in; I’ll shoot you dead.
By now the Angel was in the room,
Saying, O Friend! Prepare for you doom.
Foolish man, Angels never die,
Put down your gun and do not sigh.
Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,
To die according to Allah’s plan?
Come smile at me, do not be grim,
Be Happy to return to Him.
O Angel! I bow my head in shame,
I had no time to take Allah’s Name.
From morning till dusk, I made my wealth,
Not even caring for my health.
Allah’s command I never obeyed,
Nor five times a day I ever prayed.
A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,
But no time had I to repent.
The Hajj was already FARD on me,
But I would not part with my money.
All charities I did ignore,
Taking usury more and more.
Sometimes I sipped my favorite wine,
With flirting women I sat to dine.
O Angel! I appeal to you,
Spare my life for a year or two.
The Laws of Quran I will obey,
I’ll begin SALAT this very day.
My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,
And keep away from self-conceit.
I will refrain from usury,
And give all my wealth to charity,
Wine and wenches I will detest,
Allah’s oneness I will attest.
We Angels do what Allah demands,
We cannot go against His commands.
Death is ordained for everyone,
Father, mother, daughter or son.
I’m afraid this moment is your last,
Now be reminded, of your past,
I do understand your fears,
But it is now too late for tears.
You lived in this world, two score and more,
Never did you, your people adore.
Your parents, you did not obey,
Hungry beggars, you turned away.
Your two ill-gotten, female offspring,
In nightclubs, for livelihood they sing.
Instead of making more Muslims,
You made your children non-Muslims.
You ignored the Mua’dhin Adhaan,
Nor did you read the Holy Quran.
Breaking promises all your life,
Backbiting friends, and causing strife.
From hoarded goods, great profits you made,
And your poor workers, you underpaid.
Horses and cards were your leisure,
Moneymaking was your pleasure.
You ate vitamins and grew more fat,
With the very sick, you never sat.
A pint of blood you never gave,
Which could a little baby save?
O Human, you have done enough wrong,
You bought good properties for a song.
When the farmers appealed to you,
You did not have mercy, tis true.
Paradise for you? I cannot tell,
Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell.
There is no time for you to repent,
I’ll take your soul for which I am sent.
The ending however, is very sad,
Eventually the man became mad
With a cry, he jumped out of bed,
And suddenly, he fell down dead.
O Reader! Take moral from here,
You never know, your end may be near
Change your living and make amends
For heaven, on your deeds depends.
If this poem inspires you,
It can help someone too.
When I read this piece, I cried a tear. Yes, I did. Not only because of the pride I feel for my fellow Pinoy putting the Philippines in the world map but more so on the fact that Mr. Tamano sees/approaches this ugly world with optimism, with hope. And though as he admits that he is in fear and in doubt, there remains his hope for a better, peaceful and just future for the children.
And this sharp truth made me cry realizing that truly; one needs optimism to start DOING what one needs TO DO for the humanity.
Thanks Adel for serving as an inspiration to all of us.
You are one true gift not only to the Filipino race but to humanity.
I hope that your idealism will not be changed.
Although this is late, still, Congratulations!
From Denver E. Torres
of Cagayan de Oro City,
Xavier University
;)When I read this piece, I cried a tear. Yes, I did. Not only because of the pride I feel for my fellow Pinoy putting the Philippines in the world map but more so on the fact that Mr. Tamano sees/approaches this ugly world with optimism, with hope. And though as he admits that he is in fear and in doubt, there remains his hope for a better, peaceful and just future for the children.
And this sharp truth made me cry realizing that truly; one needs optimism to start DOING what one needs TO DO for the humanity.
Thanks Adel for serving as an inspiration to all of us.
You are one true gift not only to the Filipino race but to humanity.
I hope that your idealism will not be changed.
Although this is late, still, Congratulations!
From Denver E. Torres
of Cagayan de Oro City,
Xavier University
can i be ur 2nd wife?since ur a muslim.
i love you!super cute hahaha
You can have more of Adel Tamano and his perspectives in this blog: Opposite of Apathy
Although this is late, still, Congratulations! ( I am referring to the congratulations being late). fyi..i was reviewing my comment and I thought that this “Although this is late, still, Congratulations!” may be misinterpreted as the continuation of
“I hope that your idealism will not be changed.”
thanks. keep rockin PC :)
I would like to congratulate Atty. Adel Tamano for three reasons; First, for his scholastic achievements as being one of the tough graduates of the internationally acclaimed school the Harvard University, Law School. Second, for entering the hub of public service to our country where his creed is mainly to serve people in the name of true leadership. Third, being a true image of the Bangsamoro People where his achievements as a muslim would be the guiding lights to our young generation.
Good Luck Sir and always keep up the good works.
Jamal D. Marohom
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
One of my Filipino friends told me to read the story of Adel Tamano through internet. While reading his columns , I appreciated his triumph in life and I discovered also he’s a Muslim which I’m very proud of.
May Allah provide him more blessing as he continuously give services to the humanity.
Abdullah Alqhtin
Ras Tanura, KSA
Too bad.. I personally know this person..
Spokesman for Genuine Opposition????
Oh my, they should have at least check his background before appointing him to this position.
One thing is for sure, Mr Spokesman is laughing at his seat right not.. saying those “Poor stupid bastards”
Mr spokesman, remember having a conversation re Poor Bastards??
“Poor Bastards - Erap, Ping and Loren”
Ask him what does that mean..
this article about mr. tamano is so interesting. he’s right of saying na mas mgaling ang filipinos unlike any other citizens.
when i finished reading this, i can finally say that he is my ultimate idol.
so, no matter what ur religion is, u should always be proud & contented of what u have and what u achieves!
so sa mga tao dyan, kung walang magawa, just keep ur mouth shut kesa s manira at magjudge kau ng masama against ur neighbor.
astig! \m/
As what I’ve expected, he’s a great man. This article is so interesting…
yes, thats Adel Tamano…absolutely, a maranao’s pride! keep it up! godbless…
ADEL Tamano TNX 4 KICKING TONYPETS ,//SS WAY TO GO! STILL HAVENT RECIEVED JUSTICE
BUT KNOWING THAT TONYPET ALBANO IS A WIMPY DUMMY MAKES ME FEEL JUSTICE!
HE MUST KNOW HIS PLACE WITHOUT HIS INFLUENCE HIS NOTHING BUT A LYING CONNIVING PUSS
Glad i found this site!
help me SPREAD THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ALBANOS
FIRST THINGS FIRST THE ONLY GOOD ALBANO WAS THE LATE MAYOR DELFINITO OF ILAGAN ISABELA!
Well the truth kawawa anak nia naiwan pinutol na financial support galing kaila albano. Mga ari arian nia pinamigay ni Rodito at Tony Pet kung saan saan kung kaninong ganid din (Bahy Kotse etc!) mga gamit sa kamalig inangkin na nila TONYPET and cronies NA NATURALLY MAS MAYABANG AT GANID SA KANILA
Kahit mga inutang na properties d na binalik sa tunay na may ari (D PA NATAPOS BAYARAN NI JOJO A. They also gave threat to small people! dahil malakas sila at may connectiona
Ngayon makapangyarihan kyo tom God will give justice. His death just gave balance.
Dati inaapi nILA RODITO c Jojo dhil anak sia sa labas HALF BROTHER NI TONYPET AT RODITO nung mkita nion magagamit sia para mkuha ang BOTO NG ISABELA masa …ngayon wala pkinabng pinabayaan nILA ANG KANIANG NAIWANG PAMILYA kawawa twins at emem ngayon .
tsk3x Pilipino POLITICIANS nga naman
(RODITO TONYPET) Theyre not good people naman karma lang yan!ganid political dynasty lets see how they do in the upcoming elections the people love JOJO ALBANO not his psuedo half family! RIP JOJO
Glad to know that as high and mighty as he think THAT TONYPET suites his PETname WIMPY
Congratulations!Keep up the good work!Ur making us Maranaos proud.It’s high time we are represented in the government and u r the ryt person coz’u have all the traits of a true Maranao.I wish u good luck and will pray that with ALLAH’s blessing we will see u at the Senate.INSHAALLAH!
congrats po sir, we’re so proud of you! hindi ka lang super gwapo, superman ka for me after reading all these stuffs. grabe po wish ko lang sna lhat ng pinoy katulad mo for sure matino ang pinas. sana lng yung hepe ng pdspo named pol este rm sibakin mo na kc you may not know it, sobrang yabang at abusado po ng taong yun. thanks for ur favorable action mas hapi ang plm pg ngwa nyo po yun. gud luck and gud health. stay as sweet and mabait always. lov yu po rona
Hi Mr. Adel,
I know that you are a pure Muslim, however, your latest comment to the MOA for the GRP-MILF land deal is not good. Though you are one of the Govt’t critics but you should’nt join to the Christians you oppossed it. Like others, who had comments who said that this is just a paper that needs to be more elaborations. You became now anti-muslim or anti-Bangsamoro. You can not deny that your blood running in your veins is purely Bangsa Moro., so why you are in a hurry to give your anti-peace for your brothers? Don’t you know that if there should be erruption of another lenghty war between christians and Muslim in Mindanao your family in Lanao del Sur particularly in Taraka shall be affected?
Being one of our very own son that is now nearly to be connected to the National Government, we are expecting your being a pro-Muslim or pro-bangsamoro.
We hope to retract your exaggerated statemments to Media, otherwise, this will be counted as your gret SIN to be answered when you meet our Creator Allah (swt).
Thanks & Wassalaam
Salam. You make me proud to be one of the discriminated Muslims in Mindanao. I thank Allah(S.W.T.) for your wisdom,wit and principles.
Dear Adel,
Talagang naguguluhan kami sa iyo. Ano Kafir-Monafiq ka o Christiano ka, O MUSLIM KA?
Kahit nasa panig ka ng Opposition ay huwag kang malakas mag oppose sa MOA-AD, Hindi mo ba alam na ang pinanigan mo ay mga ILAGA? The Land Grabbing Association noong panahon ng Martial Law. Sila ang kumuha ng LIBO-LIBONG hectares OF LAND by force na lupain ng mga Muslim sa Mindanao. At yan ang tinutokoy ngayon ng Ancestral Domain na sa MOA. Thousands of Muslims perils, miamed died because of this. Kaya tutol ang irfat mo noon kay Marcos kasi parang may undrground ng administration NIYA, kaya lumabas ang Ama mo sa assistance kay Mcoy baka madamay sa SINS o KADUSTAAN. May Allah blessed his soul and enter to paradise.
Hindi mo ba alam na ang Ama ni Senator Mar Roxas ay sila ang tinawag na Gun-fof-Hire na ina asist noon si Capt. Calejo. Sila ang nag supply sa mga ILAGA o mga seatlers ng maraming armas na kasama ang mga PINOL na nang agaw sa Muslim lands sa Mindanao?
Kaya maghinay hinay ka sa pagsama sama mo sa mga ILAGA o mga anti-peace sa Mindanao. Lahat kayo sa UNO ay mga critico na puro jealousy at personalidad ang karamihan sa mga tira niyo sa administration. Noon tutol kayo kay Erap, ngayon kasama kayo, bakit?
MARANAO KA, WATA AMI SKA.DIKA PPHANGPD SANKAYA MANGA KUFFAR KA MAPD KA KO DOSA NA DINKA DN MABAO SO KASORGAAN. SII KADN MAGBONG KO ASPALA SAPILIN A DARPA O MANGA KAFIR AGO SO MANGA MUNAFIQ…. PANGNINTA A MBAGO KA NA BAWI ANKA SO MIYANGA THATAROO OKA SA MEDIA MIPANTAG SAMKAYA MOA-AD O PD KA O MANGA MUSLIM SA MINDANAO.
Pagaringka
Wahab
Dear Adel,
We are not proud of you as Maranaw. Ikinahiya namin ang mga nabitawan mong salita sa media tungkol sa MOA-AD. At ngayon sumama parin sa pag kancila ito ng SC. Bakit ganito? Nangyari ba ito pagkat mahal mo ang asawa mo at mga manugang mo na puro katoliko at pinasama mo parin ang mga anak mo sa kanilang religion (I leanred)? Hindi mo ba alam na pananagotan mo yan sa Allah na hindi mo na convert ang Asawa mo sa Islam, pero ikaw ang sunod sunod sa kanila?
I appeal to you to stop your maka kristiaynong paniniwala sa MOA-AD.
Your uncle,
Abu Shehri
[...] tamano, best birthday gift ever, chuvaness | haha my panties are all in a bunch because adel tamano (only the hottest muslim ass this side of the pacific) greeted me over at cvs’ blog. i am [...]
assalamu ‘alaikom…
i am a muslim and so you are your parents but YOU? ask yourself.
Inna L-laha la yugairo ma bi qawmin hatta yugairo ma bi anfusihim. (al-Qur’an
La yu’mino ahadokom hatta yuhibbo lo akhihi ma yuhibbu linafsihi. (al-Hadith)
Dear Pinsan Adel,
Talagang hanga sa iyo ang karamihan, sa talent mo at kaguapuhan mo.
Pero sa akin, sayang iyan. Unang una, isa kang naging hypocrites to your religion at sa mga kamaganak mo.
Ito ang advise namin sa iyo. Although you’ve been developed or raised from a christian invironment, sanay usisain mo or research more for your being a Maranao or being a Muslim.
Being a top spokesman of the UNO, huwag kang masyadong sunod sunod sa mga party mo. Alamo ba na sa politiko, hindi maiwasan o normal ang BALIMBING? Ang kakampi mo ngayon ay kaaway mo sa darating na panahon.
Now because of your statements against the MOA-AD, you are now like Pinol, Mar Roxas and others who are opposing the deals because first, they will lost thousands of hectares they’ve gained by force during the ILAGA forces. Second, you are now became the Anti-peace in Mindanao.
Lastly but not the least, tatandaan mo ito: ANG TAONG HINDI MARUNONG LUMINGON SA PINANGGALINGAN AY HINDI MAKAKARATING SA PAROROONAN.
Thanks,
Pinsan Windy
My Cousin,
This is for your pleasant reading. READ QUR’AN & RESEARCH more about Islam:
“Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise”. - Al-Baqara 002.221
Thanks
Dear Adel T.
This is to give you more information about the on going deal of the so called MOA-AD, inorder soften your anti-support in it:
Peace economically empowers Filipino Muslims
A proposed deal between Manila and the MILF will give Muslims wide control over the economy of their ancestral homeland.
MANILA (05-Aug-2008): A proposed deal between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will give Muslims wide control over the economy of their ancestral homeland in the resources-rich south.
“It is essential to lay the foundation of the Bangsamoro homeland in order to address the Bangsamoro people’s humanitarian and economic needs as well as their political aspirations,” reads a territorial pact cited by Reuters on Sunday, August 3, referring to the new autonomous Muslim region in the south.
The pact, expected to be signed in the Malaysian capital on Tuesday, August 5, offers Muslims a new autonomous region in the Muslim-dominated south, known as the Bangsamoro homeland.
The local government will have more powers and control over the economic and banking systems as well as the full right to use land and exploit energy sources.
It will have joint jurisdiction with the federal government in Manila over wide areas of the Sulu Sea where deposits of oil and gas are located.
The pact entails the government of Bangsamoro the right to send trade missions, enter into international economic arrangements as well as modifying or canceling existing mineral production and sharing agreements.
Mineral-rich Mindanao, Islam’s birthplace in the Philippines, is home to 5 million Muslims.
Muslims make up nearly 8 percent of the total populace in the Philippines, which Islam reached in the 13th century about 200 years before Christianity.
Good Omen
Analysts believe the deal augurs well for the future of the predominantly-Muslim region.
“If a peace agreement is reached that would send a positive signal,” Peter Wallace, president of consultancy firm The Wallace Business Forum, told Reuters.
The pact is a crucial step towards the resumption of formal peace talks between the MILF and Manila to end the conflict in the south.
The MILF has been fighting to reclaim Mindanao, tipped to be the richest in natural resources among the three islands of the country, for some three decades now.
More than 120,000 people have been killed since the conflict erupted in the late 1960s.
Wallace cautioned, however, that the right to modify or cancel existing mineral production and sharing agreements might chill foreign investors.
“We don’t have confidence of continuity of rules, laws, regulations,” he said.
“They seem to be changed more or less at will and this makes investment very difficult.”
But Takanori Fukimura, president of the Japanese Coral Bay Nickel Corp. which operates in would-be Muslims-controlled island of Palawan, disagreed.
“I am not worried about it.”
Source: http://www.islamonline.com
Dear Brother,
Here are some Bangsamoro’s stand on the said deal. Read and be a pro-Muslim now:
On Being a Moro and a Muslim
(A Statement from the Office of Anak Mindanao Party List Representative Mujiv S. Hataman on the Privilege Speech of Rep. Teddy Boy Locsin)
(07-Aug-08) When the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front caused a wave of protests among different sectors of society, we feared the resurging of anti-Moro discrimination and prejudice.
Though we believed that the said Memorandum of Agreement could have been a major breakthrough in the peace process, we adhered and respected the Temporary Restraining Order issued by the Supreme Court, acknowledging the right to information and consultation raised by the protesters. We welcomed this opportunity for calmness, rationality and objectivity in the discussion and study of the Agreement, thereby easing our aforementioned fear.
However, today (August 6, 2008) our fear stared right in front of us, right in the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, coming from the least expected person, as we have revered and esteemed him for his eloquence, brilliance and uncorrupted stance in major public controversies in the past.
Exercising utmost prudence, we did not settle for what the news reported. We asked for a copy of the mentioned Privilege Speech of the Honorable Representative Teddy Boy Locsin, and much to our grief, the words in the actual Speech only served to confirm our fears.
We recognize the oppositions against the content of the Agreement, even the process by which it was carried out. But to put forward arguments based on misconceptions about Islam and derogatory statements about the Moro people is uncalled for, especially from a statesman such as the Honorable Representative.
If a highly educated, respected authority like Congressman Locsin thought and felt this way towards the Moro people and Muslims in general, one can only surmise what an ordinary non-Moro, non-Muslim thinks about us.
It is for this consideration, that we are compelled to negate some points raised by the good Congressman, made not in bad faith, we would like to believe, but out of the lack of acquaintance with the Moro People’s History and the dynamics of Islam.
Enumerated in the Speech under Items Four, Five and Six are what the Representative say will result from the MOA – an allusion to the establishment of an anarchic, Afghanistan-style government, “an educational system teaching even undemocratic political values along with intolerant religious ideas,” “without any of the civilized limitations in the Bill of Rights, such as equal protection of the laws, due process, and the prohibition against such cruel and unusual punishments as stoning to death a woman taken in adultery or just suspected. Indeed, it shall possess absolute powers without any prohibition against the discrimination, abuse and enslavement of women, which happens in some Muslim states.”
We do not deny the fact that these occur in countries where Muslims are a majority (there are questions among Muslim authorities on the use of the term “Islamic State” as the claim of some countries to be such is still highly debated upon), but they are also occurrences in many non-Muslim nations. Yes there are Muslims who allege that these are Islamic teachings, but many Muslims believe that these are misrepresentations arising from conservative interpretation of Islam, contrary to the true essence of Islam as established in Qur’anic hermeneutical exegesis. We are not in the position to lecture on Islamic theology and we know that this is not the proper forum. However, allow us to share the following Rights prescribed in Islam:
BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS:
The Right to Life
The Right to the Safety of Life
Respect for the Chastity of Women
The Right to a Basic Standard of Life
Individual’s Right to Freedom The Right to Justice
Equality of Human Beings
The Right to Co-operate and not to Co-operate
RIGHTS OF CITIZENS IN AN ISLAMIC STATE:
The Security of Life and Property
The Protection of Honor
The Sanctity and Security of Private Life
The Security of Personal Freedom
The Right to Protest Against Tyranny
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Association
Freedom of Conscience and Conviction
Protection of Religious Sentiments
Protection from Arbitrary Imprisonment
The Right to Basic Necessities of Life
Equality Before Law
Rulers not above the Law
The Right to Avoid Sin
The Right to Participate in the Affairs of the State
RIGHTS OF ENEMIES AT WAR:
The Rights of the Non-Combatants
The Rights of the Combatants
Right Against Torture with fire
Protection of the Wounded
The Prisoner of War should not be Slain
No one should be tied to be killed
No looting and destruction in the enemy’s country
Sanctity of Property
Sanctity of a Dead Body
Return of Corpses of the Enemy
Prohibition of Breach of Treaties
Rules about Declaration of War
These Fundamental Rights were laid down by Islam six hundred years before the concept of human rights was said to be introduced in the Magna Carta of Britain. They are Rights due to every single being, regardless of race, sex or religion. Muslims are to uphold these Rights with utmost compliance because in the words of the Muslim scholar, Syed Maududi, “…when we speak of human rights in Islam we really mean that these rights have been granted by God; they have not been granted by any king or by any legislative assembly. The rights granted by the kings or the legislative assemblies, can also be withdrawn in the same manner in which they are conferred. But since in Islam human rights have been conferred by God, no legislative assembly in the world, or any government on earth has the right or authority to make any amendment or change in the rights conferred by God. No one has the right to abrogate them or withdraw them. Nor are they the basic human rights which are conferred on paper for the sake of show and exhibition and denied in actual life when the show is over. Nor are they like philosophical concepts which have no sanctions behind them.”
Furthermore, no less than the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “On the day of judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and wrongs will be redressed…)
The violation by some Muslims of this decree does not justify the attribution of cruelty to all Muslims or to Islam in general.
We hope to have shed a speck of light on the issue of Islam, Human Rights and Democracy. Allow us now to clarify some points raised about the Moro People and our Struggle for Right to Self-Determination.
Rep. Locsin started his speech by saying it is easy for one (such as Rep. Dilangalen) to approach the issue calmly, for he stands to gain an entirely new country. May we remind or if indeed he is ignorant of the fact, inform his honor that the Moro’s struggle is not about GAINING a new country, but about REGAINING what was unjustly taken away from us. And in this particular agreement, this opportunity of regaining what is rightfully ours is not even without conditions.
The Moro people is not what he called new-minted citizens. Sir, we have been a civilized people long before the Spaniards came. We were a sovereign nation 448 years before the Philippines even became one. Our government had treaty relations with the Spaniards, the French and the Americans. Long before Magellan discovered the Philippines, Jolo was already serving as one of the international trading ports in the Malayan world, frequented by Arab, Chinese and other Asian traders. We had a defined land territory and we are not solely seafarers as mentioned. Perhaps the good Congressman forgot, Manila started as a Muslim community ruled by Rajah Sulayman.
If we have become the lowly people that we are now, bereft of civility and dignity as many see us to be, we can only point to a stepmother who has forsaken us after forcibly taking us along with our legitimate inheritance into her custody. From the very beginning, the Moro people were not remiss in their resistance against inclusion in the Philippines. But despite pleas, petitions and clamors in every means imaginable, the interest of the Moro people was never sufficiently addressed or at the very least heard. In the drafting of the 1935 Constitution, a group of Moros wrote a letter to the Constitutional Convention, asking for a guarantee of their political, economic and socio-cultural survival as a people. This found no space in the said Constitution. The letter was not even read. It is said that in protest of this injustice, a Christian Filipino delegate from Lanao, Hon. Tomas Cabili did not sign the Constitution.
But despite these, many of us grew up to be loving, respectful and obedient children of this nation. But just like illegitimate children, we are forever challenged to prove our loyalty, to struggle in order to gain respect and acceptance or even just to belong. We are eternally striving to prove our worth and to at least get the attention that we deserve but never had. And in times when we cry, longing for our identity in our own home, we are called insurgents, rebels, traitors and dealt with as such.
The Filipino nation has not and from the recent debacles about the peace process, will never be able to accept us unconditionally for who and what we are. Yet, the Filipino nation denies us, even a glimpse of hope to regain our lives. What can be more cruel than that?
This is not to serve the interest of the peace process, more so push for the contentious Memorandum of Agreement. Public debates on the issue are everywhere. This is a mere attempt to provide an alternative perspective on what has been said, particularly in the subject Privilege Speech, which we know, represents the feelings and insights of many of our Christian Filipino brothers and sisters.
Lastly, the said Speech also questioned the intervention of the Malaysian government. We cannot speak in behalf of Malaysia. But this we can say, the Moro People’s Right to Self-Determination is a universally upheld Right. Between Malaysia, who recognizes this right, and one who is not aware of, much more support this right, who now is bereft of the spirit of human rights, democracy and justice?
Source: http://www.anakmindanao.com/content/view/192/45/
My Brother Adel,
I think you have not read the hereunder news from all over in SOUTH EAST ASIA, Brothers who have thrown their support to the MOA-AD deal.
This is to soften your stands, Here:
STATMENT of support for the Mindanao Peace Process
South East Asian Forum on Islam and Democracy
Thursday, 14 August 2008 23:16
More than 35 organizations from all over the Southeast Asian region attending the 2nd Meeting of the Southeast Asian Forum on Islam and Democracy (SEAFID) between 12 – 14 August, in Jakarta, Indonesia, made a statement supporting the continuation of the peace process in Mindanao and the lifting of the temporary restraining order by the Philippines Supreme Court.
The conflict in Mindanao became one of the main issues that was discussed in this meeting and the participants unanimously voted to accept the Statement of Support drafted by one of the panel. The Statement made the group in Jakarta is as follows:
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE MINDANAO PEACE PROCESS
Made by the members of the Southeast Asian Forum on Islam and Democracy (SEAFID), Jakarta, Indonesia, 14 August 2008:
We, the undersigned from various organizations from Southeast Asia, attending the 2nd meeting of the South East Asian Forum on Islam and Democracy (SEAFID) in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 – 14 August 2008 hereby declare our support to the peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
We are aware that the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA - AD) scheduled on the 5th of August 2008 in Putrajaya, Malaysia has been postponed due to the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines.
We lend our support to different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Religious Leaders of Mindanao that the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) be lifted and that both parties sign the MOA-AD the soonest possible time. We also hope that the discussion to find a permanent political solution to the conflict in Mindanao can start as soon as possible.
We call on all the parties to cease the current hostilities including armed engagement that has resulted in the displacement of more that 130,000 people. We also call for humanitarian support for these Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and all those affected by the current conflict.
We also call upon the Malaysian government to continue its active role to provide support and facilitation to the present peace process, including monitoring and continuing the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao.
We hope that the political, business and other national leaders in the Philippines refrain from making uninformed and inflammatory statements that only serve to stoke the flames of conflict in Mindanao.
Lastly, we together with all peace loving peoples of Southeast Asia pray for eventual and lasting peace in Mindanao.
Endorsed and Signed by:
Associate Professor Dr Kamarulzaman Askandar, Research and Education for Peace, Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM); and Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network (SEACSN)
Esmael Ebrahim, Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy; Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippines
Ahmad Suaedy, The Wahid Institute, Jakarta, Indonesia
Jajat Burhanudin, Centre for the Study of Islam and Society, Jakarta, Indonesia
Imran Price, Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies, Singapore
Fuad Mardhatillah, The Aceh Institute, Indonesia
Dadi Darmadi, State Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia
Abdul Mu’ti, Center for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilisations )CDCC), Jakarta, Indonesia
Clare Harvey, The Asia Foundation, Jakarta, Indonesia
Budhy Munawar-Rachman, The Asia Foundation, Jakarta, Indonesia
Hamid A. Bara, Empowering the Ulama Project, PCID; Mindanao State University, King Faisal Center for Islam, Arabic, and Asian Studies, Philippines
Carmen Abubakar, Institute for Islamic Studies, University of Philippines, Diliman, Philippines
Amina Rasul, Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy
Santanina Rasul, Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc., Philippines
Habib Churzin, Forum on Peace, Human Rights, and Development, Indonesia
Maarof Salleh, Center for Contemporary Islamic Studies, Singapore
Nasser Manohomasilie, Union of Muslims for Morality and Truth, Myanmar
Mohd. Roslan Mohd. Nor, Persatuan Ulama Malaysia, Malaysia
Abdul Rahman Awang, Shura, Malaysia
Dr. Mashur Bin-Ghalib Jundam, PCID, CMM, University of Philippines, Institute for Islamic Studies, Philippines
Ahmad Somboon Bualuang, TCMD, Thailand
Radziah Abdul Rahim, University Utara Malaysia, Malaysia
Arif Zamhah, Nadtlatul Ulama, Indonesia
Jajat Burhanudin, Center for the Study of Islam and Society, Jakarta, Indonesia
Syafiq Hasyim, International Center for Islam and Pluralism, Indonesia
Sukree Langputeh, Southern Thailand Universities for Peace (STUfPeace), Thailand
Teerawut Muhummud, TCMD, Thailand
Chrisian Kus, IIEC, Indonesia
Radjimo Sastro Wijono, International Center for Islam and Pluralism, Indonesia
Elfira D. Siregar, International Center for Islam and Pluralism, Indonesia
Taharudin P. Ampatuan, PCID, Philippines
Chamamah, AISYIYAH, Indonesian Women Wing of Muhammadiyah
Hj. Zaid Kamaruddin, Pertubuhan Jamaaf Islah Malaysia (JIM), Malaysia
Jakarta,Indonesia
14 August 2008
Thanks,
Adel,
It seems that you block some comments we sent?
Windy
Dear War Advocators,
Huwag ninyong sisihin ang Goberno o si GMA, pagkat sincere sila sa kapayapaan ng buong Mindanao.
Kahit anu-ano ang paliwanag ninyo (Roxasians, Pinolians, Drilonians at Adelians), kayo parin ang MASISISI sa nangyari ngayon sa Mindanao. Kung hindi ninyo hinadlangan kaagad ang MOA-AD at napirmahan na wala ang gulo ngayon. “We hold on YOU to be the responsible to all what will happen in Mindanao.
Ikaw Sinador Mar, diba, ikaw ang nagsabi na sosuportahan ninyo ang mga settlers (Ilongo-ILAGA) sa Mindanao sa mga armas to fight Muslims? Pumunta ka parin sa Mindanao at ikinumpamiya mo sa mga tauhan mo (ILAGA) na fight the MOA-AD?
Marami ang nagsasabi na ito ay papel lang na hindi pa ma implement kung walang approval ng Congreso. Pagkatapos ay tatanungin (Plebiscite) ang mga tao sa lugar na naisama sa BJE, kung payag sila o Hindi (Yes or No).
Sigi ituloy ninyo at suportahan mo parin ang goberno sa All out War sa mga Bangsamoro. No problem for the Mujahideen. Don’t you know na dalawa ang hangarin nila? They all happy if they won in any battlefield (JIHAD) and to be killed (Martyred) is their most PARAMOUNT to be happen. Pinaka malaki ang makukuha nilang gantipala in the Eyes of our very Creator, Almighty Allah. Pero hindi tulog ang Allah (swt) sa lahat na nangyayari rito.Paparusahin Niya ang lahat na may mga sala lalu-laluna’t sa mga tao na gumawa ng ibat ibang immoralities.
Humanda kayo, malapit na sa mga kamaganak mo sa Tarka, Lanao del Sur. Baka mayroon diyan sa Mulundo. Kahit na siguro baliwala sa iyo.
Thanks,
Jamal
Dear Atty. Adel,
Maybe you have not read these:
MILF leader urges politicians, media not to ‘inflame’ Muslims
by MM Gillera in Cagayan de Oro City
Newsbreak
A leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is urging politicians and the media not to “inflame” Muslims especially at a time when many Muslims feel bad about the botched signing of the agreement that would have given them rights over their ancestral homeland.
Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice-chairman for political affairs, told Newsbreak that political leaders and the media should be sensitive and cautious so that their statements do not inflame Muslims who are frustrated with the cancellation of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).
The August 5 signing in Malaysia of the MOA-AD between the Arroyo administration and the MILF was postponed after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order August 4 in response to