MANILA, Philippines — Negotiators of the Philippine government and Muslim rebels are scheduled to meet again on February 14 in Malaysia for the 25th Round of Exploratory Talks to continue their discussion on substantive issues in the Mindanao peace process.

GPH and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels last met on January 9 to 11 during which they tackled the "heart of the issues," such as transition mechanism, power sharing, wealth sharing, and territory.

A Manila Bulletin source who preferred not being named said Tuesday the two parties have agreed to continue moving the talks forward with the tentative dates on February 14 to 16.

"What is perceived to be a slow pace of the talks can be attributed to the substantive issues being discussed," he said.

The dates were agreed with the Malaysian third party facilitator during the 24th Round of Exploratory Talks, but it could still change, depending on other developments, he added.

GPH and MILF negotiators, the source said, initially discussed the concept of governance and listing of reserved powers of the national government and clarified their positions on outstanding issues.

He said they also reached accord on drafting of road maps towards the resolution of the Bangsamoro question.

"The two parties will continue their discussion on these substantive issues," the source said.

This developed as another source said that the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona may impact either positively or negatively on the Mindanao peace process.

"If President Benigno S. Aquino III use his political will as he is seen to be doing with the impeachment trial on the peace process, then the President may just achieve what other Presidents failed to do: strike a comprehensive peace treaty with the Muslim rebels," the source said.

"If the President declines to use his political will on the peace process, then that is a negative one and will lead to nowhere," he added.