No upgrade in Muslims’ lot? Palace insists need for BBL passage
A baby girl sits by herself as Filipino Muslims pray at Rizal Park to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan known as Eid al-Fitr Friday, July 17, 2015 in Manila, Philippines. Muslims all over the world mark the celebration of Eid with prayers, festivities and family reunions. AP PHOTO
Malacañang on Saturday said the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed why the country needs the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
SWS on Friday released the results of its survey on whether there has been an improvement in the position of Muslims in the country.
READ: 2 of 5 Filipinos say treatment of Muslims didn’t improve
A majority of 43 percent said there has been no improvement. Meanwhile, 47 percent said this should be addressed even through preferential treatment.
“I think this only confirms the resolve of why we need to have a real, a comprehensive solution when it comes to peace and order and security in Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.
“Naniniwala pa rin tayo na isang magandang solusyon ‘yung pagpasa ‘nung Bangsamoro Basic Law para ma-address ‘yung… Hindi lang ‘yung mga physical na pangangailangan ‘nung mga kababayan natin doon pero ‘yung mga pangangailangan din nila doon sa peace, pangangailangan nila sa security,” she said.
(We still believe that the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law is a good solution to address not only the physical needs of our countrymen but also their need for peace and security.)
The survey, released during Eid’l Fitr or the feast which marks the end of Ramadan, also showed that more than half of Muslims (64 percent) were disappointed with their position in society.
READ: 40% of Filipinos don’t see improvement in Muslims’ lot
The BBL is among the controversial measures that have remained stalled in Congress, especially after the Mamasapano operation resulted in the death of 44 policemen, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and at least three civilians. The BBL is a product of the peace deal between the government and the MILF. IDL
