President Benigno Aquino III on Friday announced the
creation of a council that will study thoroughly the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)
which is being questioned by some lawmakers, particularly the constitutionality
of the proposed law.
In an address to the nation he delivered one year after the
historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),
President Aquino said he invited citizen leaders from different sectors to
serve as independent convenors who will help the public understand the BBL and
peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF).
Those invited as member of the council include: Luis Antonio
Cardinal Tagle, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., Jaime Augusto Zobel de
Ayala, Howard Dee, and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman.
”They will bind with other responsible and respected leaders
to lead a National Peace Summit that will scrutinize and discuss the BBL,” the
President said.
”They will elaborate this proposed law in a prudent and
reasonable way that will not ignite anger and hopelessness. In this way, the
BBL will be improved,” he added.
President Aquino said the council will report to the people
so that they will understand better the BBL which is presently being tackled by
the Senate and the House of Representatives.
”I know that the recent events in Mindanao ,
including the Mamasapano incident, has resulted doubts to the minds of our
people. The result: the discussion on the subject of evaluation of the BBL has
been derailed,” the President explained.
The President described the BBL as the most important
proposed law of his administration.
”It will address the two worst problems of our countrymen:
poverty and violence. This (BBL) is a product of 17-year extensive study and
negotiation,” he said.
President Aquino stressed that the solution to the long
peace and order problem in Mindanao is not war
but peace.
”There are some who said we should stop the peace talk. They
said we need an all-out war. My question to them: What good thing can you gain
from war? Now that we are growing economically, do we still have to push
violence and road to poverty?,” the President asked.
”The previous leadership have tried all-out war. But what
they have gained? Hundred thousands have lost their lives, livelihood and left
so much anguish in Mindanao ,” he added.
President Aquino urged the public to also examine the
motivation of the individuals who opposed the peace process through the BBL.
”My decision (to pursue peace process) is not only for the
rest of my term but for the sake of the next generations. I will continue to
take the path towards peace,” the President promised.
”Today, I hope we will be reminded that we have now a golden
opportunity to achieve peace and those who want war will be enlightened by the
good result of ceasefire,” he added.
He challenged the BBL critics to think of the future of the
people in Mindanao, asking them to unite with the government in achieving the
lasting peace in Mindanao .
”I’m not pushing this peace process for my own legacy. We
are pushing the true peace truly rooted from the problem that resulted in
violence. At this point of our history, I’m telling you: The BBL will achieve
this,” the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=748523
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.