OPAPP: Statement of GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the status of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law

From OPAPP (Jul 21): Statement of GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the status of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law

The Aquino administration has been consistent in its commitment for a Bangsamoro Basic Law that conforms to what has been agreed upon in the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. As the review of the draft BBL by the negotiating panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) progresses, there continue to be significant points of differences between the Parties.

The GPH stands firm that we want a Bangsamoro Basic Law that can withstand political and legal scrutiny and be acceptable to various stakeholders, and the nation as a whole.

We will not and cannot move forward in the roadmap towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro unless we hurdle this crucial stage. We wish the MILF to understand the basis for the comments made as part of the review process by the Office of the President.

From the beginning it was very clear that the BBL will pass through regular legislation in Congress and therefore must fall within the parameters of the Constitution. We have been trying to stretch these parameters to accommodate the ideas that have been put in the BBL, in addition to what have been put in the signed documents.  But it is very clear we cannot overstep the boundaries of the Constitution.  That said, the BTC has been given the mandate to recommend changes in the Constitution all those ideas that could not be accommodated now under this Constitution. But the BBL must necessarily be constitutional.

This doesn't mean also that key features that will distinguish the ARMM from the Bangsamoro are not being put forward in the draft law such as the parliamentary form of government, a parliament with more than 50 members made up of district, party list and reserved seats; an autonomous government that will enjoy high fiscal autonomy; a transition arrangement where the MILF’s brand of leadership will be tested.

All of us want the BBL draft to be submitted to Congress as soon as possible. But we cannot substitute haste with prudence. Whatever delay we are experiencing now is intended to avoid further difficulties after the bill is submitted to Congress.

We understand the apprehensions of people who have long fought the government and now entering a new stage where they can actually participate in the government. But what we want is a mutually acceptable draft as the two panels have agreed to accomplish. We ask the MILF to reflect on how we can arrive at this.

We believe with reason and goodwill, we will overcome this current difficulty.

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/statement-gph-chief-negotiator-professor-miriam-coronel-ferrer-status-draft-bangsamoro