Monday, August 6, 2018

MILF: “MILF Officially Accepts BOL” – MILF Chair Al Haj Murad

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 5): “MILF Officially Accepts BOL” – MILF Chair Al Haj Murad



IN PHOTO- MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim delivering his message during the Forum on “Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law at Notre Dame University Gym on August 4

“The MILF is officially accepting the Bangsamoro Organic Law”, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim announced during the forum on “Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law” organized by the Institute of Autonomy and Governance at Notre Dame University (NDU) Gymnasium, Cotabato City on August 4, 2018.

According to Al Haj Murad, the decision of the MILF leadership to officially accept the BOL came after the general agreement of the Bangsamoro people on the BOL during the Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly on July 29, and the consensus of the MILF Central Committee members in favor of the Organic Law.

Al Haj Murad also encouraged the participation of everyone in the Bangsamoro in nation-building. “I ask that you participate in shaping the Bangsamoro Vision, a vision that goes beyond our individual interest; beyond our clan interest, beyond our organizations’ interest; beyond our party’s interest; and I dare say, beyond our generation’s interest.”

“All indications point to acceptance without prejudice that all the provisions of the CAB not captured in the Bangsamoro Organic Law must also be complied by the government.” MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chairman and BTC Commissioner Mohagher Iqbal said, referring to the decision of the MILF regarding the BOL.

Iqbal also mentioned some of the good provisions of the BOL which includes the powers of the Bangsamoro government, the General Welfare clause, the Parliamentary form of government, the Shari’ah Justice system, and the fiscal autonomy provisions. According to Iqbal, the best provision of the BOL is on fiscal matters.

Furthermore, he also mentioned some of the provisions which are lacking in the BOL including the removal of principles in the preamble such as parity of esteem, principle of subsidiarity, and asymmetrical relationship. BOL provisions on policing and plebiscite were also different from the original Bangsamoro Basic Law drafted by the BTC.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law, now called the Bangsamoro Organic Law will be the enabling law of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the signed peace agreement between the MILF and government of the Philippines.

Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Study Group provided an in-depth discussion on the provisions of the BOL pertaining to the Powers, Bangsamoro Parliament, Shari’ah Justice System, Bangsamoro Transition Authority, and other aspects of Political Autonomy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Provisions on Fiscal Autonomy were discussed further by Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. His presentation included BOL provisions on Revenue Generation, Annual Block Grant, and Special Development Fund. The 50-billion Special Development Fund will be used specifically in the recovery and rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas in the Bangsamoro.

BTC Commissioner Susana Anayatin tackled the provisions related to settler communities. “In the BOL, in the Bangsamoro, no one is left behind”, Anayatin said. She emphasized that the BOL ensured the participation and representation in governance of settler communities, as well as the protection of their basic rights and religious freedom.

Commissioner Romeo Saliga of the BTC shared during the forum the provisions of the BOL related to the Indigenous People (IP) communities. According to Saliga, the law provides representation for the IP communities in the Parliament. It also recognizes and protects the Indigenous Peoples Rights and ensures their preferential rights in exploring the natural resources in their areas. “Kung katanggap-tanggap sa MILF ang BOL, mas katanggap-tanggap na rin sa amin ito”, Saliga said.

The inclusivity of the BOL was also emphasized by Chairman Murad in his speech. “I assure you that the Bangsamoro Government will be an inclusive government and primarily based on justice and equality.”

Al Haj Murad reaffirms the commitment of the MILF in changing the current political system into a more principled, participatory, and inclusive governance.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1446/---milf-officially-accepts-bol--------milf-chair-al-haj-murad

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