MILF: Bangsamoro Transition Commission approves internal rules

From ABS-CBN (May 20): MILF: Bangsamoro Transition Commission approves internal rules

Following a three-day "Consensus Building Workshop" in Tagaytay City, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) approved its internal rules, including its organizational structure and calendar of activities.

The BTC is the body tasked to draft the basic law for the new Bangsamoro political entity.

The workshop is the third gathering of the BTC, and tackled consensus points on the functions of the Transition Commission as the drafter of the Bangsamoro Basic law, a body that can propose Constitutional amendments to the Philippine Congress, and as a clearinghouse for development efforts in Muslim Mindanao.

According to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as part of the workshop, the BTC selected two deputy chairmen, a floor leader, and chairpersons of committees.

"Elected two deputies of the chairman of the BTC were Commissioners Robert Maulana Alonto, a member of the MILF Negotiating panel and Akmad Sakkam, a diplomat who served as former ambassador to Iraq, Bahrain, and Bangladesh; and elected floor leader was Commissioner Johaira Wahab," the MILF said on its website Sunday evening.

It added the commissioners who were selected to chair committees were:

- Asani Tammang (Basic rights, culture, social justice, and indigenous peoples’ matters)
- Johaira Wahab (Transitory provisions, amendments, revisions and miscellaneous matters)
- Robert Alonto (Political autonomy)
- Raissa Jajurie (Fiscal autonomy)
- Hussein Munoz (Justice and security matters).

Also, a coordinating committee will be composed of the chairmen of the other committees will be chaired ex-officio by the BTC chairman.

The BTC also approved its seal, organizational structure, and calendar of activities.

Participants also discussed the need to engage various stakeholders, including the Philippine Congress, to ensure inclusiveness and wider consultations.

BTC chairman and MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal opened the workshop last Thursday, May 16.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/309148/news/regions/milf-bangsamoro-transition-commission-approves-internal-rules