Ex-SC justices, legal experts set to give views on Bangsamoro law

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former Supreme Court magistrates, law school deans and other legal experts will gather at the House of Representatives on Tuesday to give their views on the constitutionality of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL).

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the legal luminaries would be given free reign to voice out their opinions on the BBL without any interference from the lawmakers.

Rodriguez, chair of the 75-member House ad hoc committee on the BBL, said members have not made specific recommendations on topics to be discussed.

“We want them to spot the issues in the draft BBL or the provisions that need to be focused on to ensure that the BBL complies with our Constitution,” said Rodriguez.

Critics have questioned the constitutionality of carving out a portion of the Philippines for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but President Aquino has time and again expressed his “strong belief” in the legality of the BBL.

The former magistrates invited to the hearing were: former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., president of the Association of Retired Supreme Court Justices; and former Justices Vicente Mendoza, Reynato Puno, Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Artemio Panganiban, Leonardo Quisumbing and Adolf Azcuna.

Other legal experts invited were: Justice Manuel Lazaro, president of Philippine Constitution Association; Vicente Joyas, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP); Beda Fajardo, president of Philippine Bar Association; Danilo Concepcion, law dean of University of the Philippines; Sedfrey Candelaria, law dean of Ateneo Law School; Melencio Sta. Maria, dean of Far Eastern University Institute of Law; Virgilio B. Jara, dean of San Beda Law; Jose Sundiang, dean of Arellano University Law; Ferdinand Tan, dean of San Sebastian College of Law; Christian Monsod, former member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission; Roan Libarios, former IBP president; Nasser Marohomsalic, member of the Independent Panel of Lawyers; and Avelino Cruz, former defense secretary (Arroyo administration).

Rodriguez said the legal experts have been given two days—Oct. 28 and 29—to exchange views. He said this would complement the hearings conducted from Oct. 22 to 24 in Upi, Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, Koronadal City, South Cotabato and General Santos City.

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