BOL proves local autonomy can happen under 1987 Charter – Binay

Senator Nancy Binay on Friday said the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was proof that local autonomy can be achieved under the 1987 Constitution.

“With the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), it only shows that true local autonomy can be achieved within the framework, context, ideals and spirit of the 1987 Constitution,” Binay said in a statement.

While in Mindanao, President Rodrigo Duterte announced Wednesday that he has already signed the BOL.

Binay said the BOL was a “eureka” moment as several senators thumbed down proposals for Charter change that will allow the country’s shift to federalism.

Federalism proponents say the new system of government will empower regions by giving them fiscal and political autonomy.

“We have finally found the way to strengthening regions and local governments all within the constitutional framework as intended in the Local Government Code,” she said.

Binay said the BOL gave “our Muslim brothers and sisters the inherent right to govern themselves and defining a territory without raising a different flag.”

She said the BOL allowed the country to embrace diversity without being “fragmentary.”

“All we need to do is to find ways to replicate for other regions the salient points of the BOL–and to a greater degree, preserving and respecting the people’s culture, history and faith,” she said.   /muf