BY RONQUILLO TOLENTINO
BBL Bill transmission to Congress a must
EARLIER this year, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which is the peace agreement between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was signed.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) draft bill calling for the creation of the Bangsamoro region has to be transmitted to Congress albeit after the signing of the peace agreement, Malacañang declared that it shall be transmitted to Congress by May but did not, citing the need for further study and review.
The slight delay in its transmission to Congress has been criticized by Leyte’s Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as a disservice to peace.
Malacañang has positively announced that the BBL draft law shall be submitted to Congress next month.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Bangsamoro Transition Commission chair Mohagher Iqbal jointly said the bill is being studied and evaluated by the legal team without being oblivious of manifesting the urgency of the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Time- tabled for transmission to Congress when it resumes session in July, it is expected by political observers and media commentators from both print and broadcast media that when President Benigno Aquino III shall deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 28, the Bangsamoro Basic Law shall be among his administration’s priority bills.
While so many peace advocates throughout the country praised the historic peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which would bring ultimate peace to Mindanao, certain discussions, nay debates, surfaced questioning the peace deal.
The Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), for instance, speaking through its chair Manuel Lazaro, cited that “certain provisions contained in the annexes of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro may require constitutional changes to be valid.”
The Philconsa has a position paper titled “Initial Observations” on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Among other matters, Philconsa questioned the gradual phasing and transfer of law enforcement function from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the police force of the Bangsamoro.
Philconsa emphasized, thus: “We cannot have two armed forces. This is a big no-no. This is risking the security, territory and people outside Bngsamoro and planting the seeds of rebellion and secession.”
Questions were also raised on revenue generation and wealth sharing such as, but not limited to mineral revenue sharing, the Bangsamoro share for non-metallic minerals.
On this matter, Phiconsa stressed that “All revenues from the exploitation of natural resources should belong to the State. For the Bangsamoro to share, it must be provided in the Constitution or the Constitution authorizes the sharing as provided by law but certainly not through agreement between the Executive Department and the MILF.”
In answer to the slight delay in the transmission of the draft BBL to Congress, the Executive Secretary and the Bangsamoro Commission Transition chair issued a joint statement, thus:
“We acknowledge the urgency behind the immediate passage of the BBL. However, we also recognize that a thorough, extensive and comprehensive review of the draft law’s numerous provisions is a necessary part of the process to ensure that they are consistent with what the parties agreed upon in the 17 years of peace negotiations.”
Concluding and expressing optimism, the joint statement said: “The President has said that he expects a law that is equitable, practical and empowering, and which serves the interest of the entire nation.”
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Aklan’s Gov. Florencio “Joeben” T. Miraflores, in several interviews has categorically denied involvement in the pork barrel scam and stressed he does not know Janet Napoles.
In the May 16, 2014 issue of Panay News, the Aklan governor said: “I could categorically say that I have no dealings with Mrs. Napoles. I have never met her or dealt with her during my term as congressman.”
He also emphasized that he is very careful on the use of government funds for the benefit of the populace of Aklan, adding that his services have always been sincere and heartfelt.
Miraflores expressed belief that Aklanons know him better. He had shown Aklanons his sincerity of purpose and shown his participation and sincerity in the progress and development of Aklan.
Prior to his present term as Aklan provincial governor, Miraflores has served the municipality of Ibajay as mayor, then as Aklan governor for three terms and as Aklan congressman for three terms.
Several times, the Aklan governor also said he welcomes a deeper investigation./PN
