MANILA, Philippines – House of Representatives leaders on Monday filed a resolution creating an ad hoc committee that would tackle the Bangsamoro basic law, which Malacañang would submit on Wednesday.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Majority Leader Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales II filed House Resolution 1462, which seeks to create the ad hoc committee “to review, evaluate and propose legislation relative to the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro.”
Congress is expecting the Bangsamoro basic law that would implement the signed peace pact between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, ending decades of Muslim secessionist movement and seeking to establish a Bangsamoro political entity.
According to the resolution, which was adopted in the plenary on Monday, the committee will have the following duties:
Exercise jurisdiction over all matters related to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro; study, deliberate and act upon all measures referred to it including bills, resolutions, and petitions; recommend for approval or adoption if these advance the interests of the people; establish systems and procedures to ensures that sectors are heard; conduct dialogues and consultations with stakeholders; require studies, research and position papers; require services of experts and professionals; conduct hearings and inquiries in aid of legislation; act on measures and prepare a report to the plenary.
The committee will have a total of 75 members, which will be a proportionate representation of the majority and minority, the resolution read.
The committee should submit a report and recommendation to the chamber within six days after it is created, it added.
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