Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas www.congress.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines—Administration allies will rush approval of the charter creating a new political region in Mindanao to meet President Aquino’s self-imposed deadline to establish the Bangsamoro Transition Authority by next year.
But a militant lawmaker cautioned against rushing approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law for fear it suffer the same fate as two peace pacts ratified by Congress: the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Philippine-Moro National Liberation Front Final Peace Agreement.
Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Treñas said that while the Liberal Party-led majority bloc in the House has yet to meet, “I am sure we will do our best to fast-track its approval.”
“The CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) is one of the most important achievements of the Aquino administration,” Treñas said in a text message. “The allies of the President in the House of Representatives are just waiting for the bill so that we can push for its approval.”
In his speech during the signing of the peace pact, the President said, “I expect the deliberations in Congress to be characterized by a sincere desire to improve on the Bangsamoro Basic Law—and not by self-interest that only aims to perpetuate an untenable status quo.”
The President was optimistic that Congress would oblige and approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law within the year in order to form an interim Bangsamoro government by next year and hold its first elections in 2016.
Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe said that Congress’ contribution to the peace process should be to speed up its enactment.
“The ideal scenario is to win the doubting Thomases among our colleagues and put their trust in the peace agreement that it be given a chance to work for the common good,” said Batocabe.
Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong, an MNLF founder and chair of the House committee on Muslim affairs, said the fugitive MNLF leader Nur Misuari should keep an “open mind” on the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
Loong also doused fears raised by OFW Family Partylist Rep. and former Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Roy Señeres that the Bangsamoro pact was part of Malaysia’s plan to annex the region as part of its territory.
“Speculations about a possible voluntary secession of the Bangsamoro to Malaysia have no basis at all. Dignifying them would only cause a gap between the two countries,” said Loong.
But Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said it was Congress’ public duty to “scrutinize, study and debate” the draft organic Bangsamoro Basic Law, specifically putting it through exhaustive and broad-based public hearings.
“We already have two such agreements in the past that supposedly addressed the historical wrongs and injustices against the Moro people, particularly the majority who are poor. There were several consultations made but still the main question remains: are the sentiments of all stakeholders truly reflected in the CAB or even in the proposed organic law?” said Zarate in a text message.
Batocabe said Congress should consult with all stakeholders to come up with a consenus and reconcile the seemingly conflicting interests of all concerned specifically on power and wealth sharing; the creation of its police force; and disarmament of Muslim rebels.
Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello said the Bangsamoro plan could lose its momentum if the proposed law would be stalled in Congress.
“The Western Mindanao legislators have a special responsibility in ensuring that their constituencies, particularly the Christian areas, have a positive attitude toward the new entity. The success of the new arrangement will depend on an intensive educational effort on their part to convince every group it is in their interest to support the autonomous state,” said Bello.
Bello said Congress’ main priority was to make sure that, unlike the ARMM, the new autonomous region does not become an economic dependency of Manila and the rights of indigenous peoples would be protected.
RELATED STORIES
Palace sees Congress support for Bangsamoro charter
Senators welcome Bangsamoro peace accord but…