As far as
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is concerned, the passage of a watered
down or diluted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is still the worst case scenario
that even the mind is boggled by it. For sure, the MILF will reject it
outright, and worse the various aspects of the normalization process including
decommissioning of its weapons (and combatants) will come to a halt. Likewise,
we do not know if the various mechanisms including the international bodies
will continue to stay.
Right
now there seems to be more signs of life in the Senate rather than in the Lower
House. Several Senators are reported to be trying to push for the passage of
the original BBL. Senator Bongbong Marcos, on his part, is showing strong sense
of accommodation for the views of his colleagues. Besides, there is consistent
quorum in the Senate; in the House, quorum has only been achieved lately;
thanks to the leadership of Speaker Sonny Belmonte Jr!
What is a
diluted BBL? People are keeping asking this question.
Frankly, it
is not about how many provisions of the original BBL are deleted, substituted
or amended. Just one issue, for instance, the aspect of natural resources, can
make the BBL diluted and would force the MILF to reject it. Of what use an
entity, dubbed as autonomous, if it has no access or power over or share of the
revenues derived from the natural resources? Both the House and Senate versions
have deleted or seriously diluted this provision.
A real and
genuine autonomous entity or region has the right or condition of
self-government, especially in a particular sphere; and this is more seen in
terms of powers and shares of the wealth of the nation. Shares in powers and
resources can be likened to a human being, who can stand firmly and on his own
if he has two feet. Both the House and the Senate versions of the BBL have
seriously unnerved or mutilated the right leg and amputated the left leg, so
much so that if it is not restored would render the Bangsamoro entity inutile.
Expressed
in another way, do we want a son who has a family of his own to beg forever for
everything from his parents? Which way this country wants the Moros to go? Come
to think of it.
Of course,
this is the line of debate among lawmakers. One group batted for strong and
real autonomy for the Bangsamoro, while another fear for them, so that so many
restrictions are introduced into the proposed law to prevent them allegedly
from seceding.
In this
regard, what is the best frame of mind this country especially lawmakers should
adopt: to trust the Moros now or forever distrust them? What is the necessary
consequence of self-sufficient Bangsamoro to secede or stay united with this
country?
Surely, we
cannot offer a view. But one thing sure is that as long the Moro Problem
remains unresolved this country will never develop and progress. More
seriously, depriving of the Moros their rightful place in this country --- and
to be at par with the rest of the inhabitants --- is not a sure antidote to
secession.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/559-worst-case-scenario-re-bbl
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