Bongao, Tawi-Tawi --- Governor Nurbert M. Sahali of this southernmost province in the ARMM ended what has been a lively public consultation with the reassuring words that they “support the crafting of an inclusive, doable and just Bangsamoro Basic Law.”
In the seaside resort of Sandbar Lepa back-dropped by the towering Bongao Peak, the young governor last February 14 hosted the multi-sectoral dialogue with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which is presently drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
Mohagher Iqbal, BTC Chairman, led 12 other commissioners in answering various questions from the people of Tawi-Tawi. Two commissioners were unable to attend due to health reasons.
Academicians from the Mahardika Institute of Technology and Mindanao State University raised questions on the future status of local governments as well as that of the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement of 1996.
An oblate sister asked how Christians and other non-Muslims would be treated under the Bangsamoro Government.
The head of a municipal fire station wondered how the Bangsamoro would differ from the present ARMM.
Another recurring topic, the constitutionality of the BBL, was also inquired.
The commissioners took turns in explaining that the privileges of local governments would not be diminished but can be reformed pursuant to good governance; that the 42 consensus points reached in the Tripartite Review talks might be incorporated in the BBL; that non-Muslims would not be discriminated and that religious freedom is guaranteed; and that the Bangsamoro would have an asymmetric relations with the GPH, a more powerful and different governmental relations than that of the present-day ARMM.
The possible constitutional issues that may be raised would have to be addressed by the Government of the Philippines since the BBL is a product of negotiations between the MILF and GPH.
As in Sulu, Chairman Iqbal urged the participants to understand deeply the addendum on Bangsamoro waters. The document, he stressed, is a victory for the people of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu since their rightful, historic and legal claim over the resources of Sulu Sea are now truly restored to them.
Gov. Sahali was joined by his sister Congresswoman Ruby Sahali of the lone district of Tawi-Tawi in expressing support to the BTC.
Many officials of the provincial government also attended, with Provincial Administrator Atty. Kadirie Sahali thanking the BTC for its visit so that they can be updated.
Gov. Sahali appealed to the BTC that their “hopes and needs be reflected in the basic law.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/842-tawi-tawi-leaders-express-support-for-the-btc
Mohagher Iqbal, BTC Chairman, led 12 other commissioners in answering various questions from the people of Tawi-Tawi. Two commissioners were unable to attend due to health reasons.
Academicians from the Mahardika Institute of Technology and Mindanao State University raised questions on the future status of local governments as well as that of the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement of 1996.
An oblate sister asked how Christians and other non-Muslims would be treated under the Bangsamoro Government.
The head of a municipal fire station wondered how the Bangsamoro would differ from the present ARMM.
Another recurring topic, the constitutionality of the BBL, was also inquired.
The commissioners took turns in explaining that the privileges of local governments would not be diminished but can be reformed pursuant to good governance; that the 42 consensus points reached in the Tripartite Review talks might be incorporated in the BBL; that non-Muslims would not be discriminated and that religious freedom is guaranteed; and that the Bangsamoro would have an asymmetric relations with the GPH, a more powerful and different governmental relations than that of the present-day ARMM.
The possible constitutional issues that may be raised would have to be addressed by the Government of the Philippines since the BBL is a product of negotiations between the MILF and GPH.
As in Sulu, Chairman Iqbal urged the participants to understand deeply the addendum on Bangsamoro waters. The document, he stressed, is a victory for the people of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu since their rightful, historic and legal claim over the resources of Sulu Sea are now truly restored to them.
Gov. Sahali was joined by his sister Congresswoman Ruby Sahali of the lone district of Tawi-Tawi in expressing support to the BTC.
Many officials of the provincial government also attended, with Provincial Administrator Atty. Kadirie Sahali thanking the BTC for its visit so that they can be updated.
Gov. Sahali appealed to the BTC that their “hopes and needs be reflected in the basic law.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/842-tawi-tawi-leaders-express-support-for-the-btc
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