OPAPP assures TransCom equal representation

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): OPAPP assures TransCom equal representation

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles has assured balance and equal composition of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (Transcom) which will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Deles made the assurance after some sectors raised the issue of possible domination by one sector in the TransCom, a vital body that will create the governing law of the New Autonomous Political Entity in Mindanao.

Among the sectors that will have representation in the Transcom are stakeholders, indigenous peoples, religious, youth, among others. Transcom will be composed of eight nominees from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and seven to be recommended by the government.

She said a search committee has submitted to President Aquino the government nominees. The President will soon announce the government nominees. She said the search committee have been screening members, identifying their capabilities, work experience, personal achievements and what they have contributed in seeking peaceful solution to problems, not only in Mindanao but anywhere in the country. She assured that President Benigno Aquino III had been very fair from the start and determined to attain peace in the island when other previous presidents failed.

On the other hand, MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said the MILF central committee has already chosen its nominees and will make the pubic announcement soon. He refused to give initial names of nominees but said they were all knowledgeable in the Mindanao peace process and have been involved in conflict resolutions through peaceful means.

The government and the MILF signed the Framework Agreement for Bangsamoro on October 15 last year as initial accord that will eventually give the Bangsamoro people right to self determination. Following the signing, the President issued Executive order 120 that created the TransCom which will draft the Bangsamoro basic law and for Congress to study and take action. The Mindanao peace process with the MILF under the Aquino government have achieved so many milestones.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=493230