BOL ‘first step’ towards peace — Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said she believes the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is a “first step” towards promoting peace in the region.

Robredo said that the proposed creation of the BOL is one of the government’s efforts to correct the “historical injustice” that led to several conflicts in the region of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

“Parating sinasabi na iyong historical injustice noong nakaraan na siya iyong pinaka-ugat ng away-away. Pero ito, ito iyong attempt na talaga na para i-correct iyon,” Robredo, who also expressed support in the ratification, said during her weekly radio show BISErbisyong LENI.

“Pero dapat alam ng lahat na hindi ito iyong solusyon, hindi ito iyong kasagutan para sa lahat ng tanong pero ito ay unang hakbang pa lang,” she added.

The BOL plebiscite will be first conducted on Monday in some ARMM areas, Isabela City in Basilan, and Cotabato City.

The second day of the referendum will be held in Lanao del Norte except Iligan City, and six towns in North Cotabato on February 6.

With this, Robredo urged voters to support the ratification of the BOL as it would promote peace in the region.

“Hinihikayat natin ang lahat na suportahan iyong pagpasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law dahil ito nga iyong unang hakbang para makamit natin iyong tunay na kapayapaan sa rehiyon at para [itong] signal na hindi tayo magkaka-away at pagtulung-tulungan natin iyong pagbabago,” Robredo said.

“Sana tingnan ito na pagkakataon para maririnig iyong boses nila. [Iyong] pinakamahalaga sa lahat, sumali—sumali sa plebisito para marinig iyong boses. Suportahan ito kasi ito iyong magiging platform para lalong mabigyan ng pagkakataon na mapakinggan sila,” she added.

The Commission on Elections hopes to have a high voter turnout in ARMM for BOL plebiscite as it recorded a total of 2,839,659 registered voters. /je

READ: Comelec expects 75% voter turn out in ARMM for BOL plebiscite