Bangsamoro Basic Law for Peace

DAVAO CITY – The 28^th public hearing and consultation on House Bill No. 4994 or the Bangsamoro Basic Law was held  last Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the CAP Auditorium, Davao City.

Participating bodies from the House of Representatives AD Hoc Committee totaled to a number of sixteen panelists including selected congressmen from Mindanao. Eight speakers started to raise their consensus, which is followed then by the comments of the panel.

Jimmy dela Vega of Davao Association of Catholic Schools said that they accepted the proposed BBL and expects the development of the historical narratives of the Bangsamoro.

“Respect to human rights is a pre-condition to peace” said Romel Zabalde Jr. of Ateneo de Davao University, which indicates their support to the BBL.

But not all are in favor of the proposed law. Wao, Lanao del Sur Representative Al Balotendos and Datu Langilan of the Manobo Tribe both argued to the inclusion of their municipality to the BBL. Both were firm to their decision on not to join in the transition and pleaded to respect the traditional agreement.

Other Concerns raised were the request for the participation of Moro, Christian and Lumad women to the activities, decision-making and political parties of the Bangsamoro; taxation; and internal audit mechanism for the accountability of the Bangsamoro government. (Elaine Pacana PIA-XI intern)