By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — The Senate will thoroughly review the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law starting November, Senate President Franklin Drilon said.
President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday handed over the proposed law to Congress during a ceremony in Malacañang.
The bill will be “examined extensively” to ensure that its provisions comply with the Constitution, Drilon said.
“The committees on local government, and unity, peace and reconciliation will call a public hearing,” he said.
Plenary debates on the proposed 2014 budget, on the other hand, will start “by the third week of October,” the Ilonggo senator said, adding that they may still hold hearings even during the legislative break.
Drilon is confident Congress will pass the measure by “first quarter of next year.”
“After that, a plebiscite will be set while a transition commission will be in place before the 2016 election,” he said. Bangsamoro residents must ratify the law, he added.
The committee on local government will ensure that the Bangsamoro Basic Law will truly be beneficial to people in Mindanao, said Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., committee chair.
“We will study this proposal very carefully. We will not rush its submission to Congress,” Marcos said. “More important for us is the participation of stakeholders in Mindanao.”
He said his committee will hold consultative meetings in Marawi, Zamboanga, General Santos, Basilan, and Sulu.
Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, chair of the committee on unity, peace and reconciliation, said the Bangsamoro law’s submission to Congress was “a major step in our bid to recognize the right of our fellow Filipinos.”
Guingona, who hails from Mindanao, said the proposed law will address the government’s aspirations for peace and meaningful development in the region.
“I state for the record the commitment of (my committee) to ensure that this historic and landmark piece of legislation shall be completed and passed soonest,” he said./PN
