Palace vows to file Bangsamoro law as Congress opens
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday said it would push through with the filing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) once Congress opens for its second regular session.
“Aktibong isinusulong ng pamahalaan ang pagsasabatas ng Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) sa pamamagitan ng pagsusumite sa bubuksang sesyon ng Kongreso ng draft bill na kasalukuyang pinapanday at inihahanda para sa pagsertipika rito ni Pangulong Aquino,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told media over the radio.
(The government is actively pushing for the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by filing, once Congress’ new session opens, the draft bill which is still being improved and readied for President Benigno Aquino III’s certification.)
The BBL, which should serve as the basis of the Bangsamoro autonomous entity, has been stalled at the Office of the President amid alleged issues pertaining to its constitutionality and adherence to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Once approved into law, a plebiscite will be held to set the limits of the new Bangsamoro entity.
Coloma explained that Aquino reiterated during the last meeting of the Bangsamoro Transition Council (BTC) that the BBL should be prioritized to pave the way for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority next year.
He said the meeting last week also involved representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and the Philippine peace panel, including Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Senen Bacani and Yasmin Busran-Lao. Also in attendance was Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.
“Hinimok ng Pangulo ang lahat ng kasapi ng BTC na magtulungan upang magkaroon ng ibayong pag-unawa at pagkakaintindihan at masigurong aayon ang BBL sa nilalaman ng Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” Coloma said.
(The President encouraged all members of the Bangsamoro Transition Council to work together to ensure that the BBL is in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.)
He said Aquino emphasized the importance of the CAB, not only for the MILF but also for other groups in Mindanao.
“Let’s approach this drafting of the proposed BBL with an open mind, see if everything is consistent with the CAB, and limit the potential challenges,” he quoted the President saying.
Congress will open its second session on July 28, coinciding with Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).
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