Despite delays, Congress to approve Bangsamoro law this year – Palace
MANILA, Philippines – It may have missed its initial deadline, but that doesn’t mean the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) won’t be approved this year as planned.
Malacañang on Tuesday insisted that despite not being able to submit the proposed BBL before Congress adjourns this week, it would still be approved within the year.
“Ang target pa rin ay ‘yung maisumite ito sa panahong maaaring magkaroon ng sapat na talakayan at maipasa ito bago matapos ang kasalukuyang taon…We still believe that this is achievable within the original timeframe of within this year,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters.
(Our target is to still submit the proposed measure with enough time for adequate discussion and for it to be approved into law this year…We still believe that this is achievable within the original timeframe of within this year.)
Coloma explained that the proposed bill “represents the fruition of the efforts of the Philippine and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) negotiating panels in the crafting of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.”
The BBL, drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity, which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). A plebiscite will determine which parts of Mindanao will be included in the new territory.
The Secretary said although the BBL has missed its deadline for submission to Congress last May 5 what is important is that its provisions are in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.
He said it is proper to allot enough time to scrutinize the proposed measure, which tackles wealth-sharing and power-sharing between the Bangsamoro and the central government.
“Marami ding binabangong kaisipan. Doon na lamang sa pagkakaroon ng konsepto ng Bangsamoro na ibang-iba doon sa datihang konsepto lamang na Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao,” he said.
(We are also changing perceptions. The concept of the Bangsamoro itself is very different to that of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.)
“No stone is left unturned’ or no effort is spared to ensure that there is a comprehensive understanding of the concepts that will be espoused when the draft bill is debated in Congress,” he added.
RELATED STORY
