Time running out on Bangsamoro law

By: Nikko Dizon - 11 years ago

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Time is running out for the submission of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress for ratification as the Office of the President has yet to complete its review of the draft that will replace the organic act that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on Friday said he understood the “due diligence” being exercised by President Benigno Aquino III and his lieutenants before the bill is transmitted to Congress for ratification.

“Frankly speaking, I am quite disturbed [over the delay] because I know time is running out… I am not saying [the delay] is bad but I am saying that as an ordinary person, I am looking at the whole process as something very urgent,” Iqbal said.

When asked if he knew why the review has been going on for a month now, Iqbal said he would rather not speculate.

“But the mere mention of due diligence [means] they are so cautious, serious in reviewing it,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal also chairs the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, comprised of experts from the government and the MILF, which drafted the bill.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Deles expressed confidence that the draft bill would be submitted before Congress adjourns on June 7.

“I think the so-called delay is actually an indicator of how serious the Office of the President is, under the instruction of the President, about the law,” Deles said.

Deles said that for President Aquino to be able to certify the Bangsamoro Basic Law as an administration bill, “he wants to be able to say that every line there, he can defend.”

She said the Chief Executive does not want false promises to find their way into the efforts of establishing lasting peace in central Mindanao, which for years has been ravaged by war.