Bangsamoro transition body forms 14 working committees

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2): Bangsamoro transition body forms 14 working committees

Members of the 15-man Bangsamoro Transition Commission (TransCom) have agreed Wednesday to the formation of 14 committees to assist in the organization of structures, processes and internal rules of the commission in fulfilling its mandate and tasks.

The TransCom, comprising seven representatives from the government and eight from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was created under Executive Order 120 issued by President Aquino on December 17, 2012.

The body is primarily tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that would pave the way for the proposed Bangsamoro political entity to replace the 23-year-old, graft-ridden Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The existing ARMM setup covers the cities of Marawi and Lamitan and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur.

TransCom Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, concurrent MILF spokesman, said that of the recommended committees, they have pushed for the immediate formalization of four groups namely, the Committees on Basic Law; Constitutional Amendments; Socio-Economic and Relevant Functions on Issues.

“This, as we have yet to establish our main headquarters in Cotabato City.” Iqbal said during a press conference following the April 30-May 1 first-ever session of the commission held at Alnor Commercial Complex here since its public introduction last April 3 in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

TransCom Commissioner Maulana Alonto, for his part, said that the body is currently working for the adoption of a work plan on the drafting of the Basic Law as they anticipate for “obstacles” that might come along in the near future.

“These perceived obstacles remain speculative as of this time. We will cross the bridge when we get there,” Alonto said.

Alonto said that on whatever they do, a series of consultation would be held “inside and outside” of the Bangsamoro to be able to reach out to every sector of the society.

Iqbal echoed Alonto’s assertion, citing that consultation is the heart of the Bangsamoro process. As the TransCom work gains momentum, Iqbal has written a formal letter to Malacañang requesting for the immediate release of an initial P100-million to cover for the commission’s expenditures in the performance of its duties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=521795