“There is an overwhelming support of Basilan to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)”. This was the statement made by Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez and Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on BBL when they held consultation in the province on November 20, 2014. Rep. Rodrigues said that “When we arrived these morning of November 20, we saw streamers hanging all over, people holding placards along the roads that say, ‘Yes to BBL, Yes to Peace!’ and before we reached the venue, I saw my handsome photo on a tarpaulin hanging with the message, “ Welcome Congressman Rufus Rodrigues and Company and thank you for supporting BBL”.
He further said that, “I was so impressed with the hospitality and the eagerness of the Basileños on the BBL.”
Before the formal start of the program, a cultural presentation were performed by a Yakan ; and a Badjao Dance accompanied by native instruments.
More than 5,000 people attended the consultation including 12 mayors except Mayor Cherrylyn Santos of Isabela City. Sangguniang Bayan members from various municipalities of Basilan and Isabela Sangguniang Panlunsod members of Isabela City, Provincial Governor Jum Akbar and his vice governor who welcomes the Ad Hoc committee members headed by Congressman Rodrigues. The consultation was held at the Basilan State College at Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City. It was jam packed with a big crowd ever seen in the city with people so eager and full of enthusiasm to express their full support to the BBL and its speedy passage in congress.
Various groups submitted 28 positions papers to the committee all but one supporting the BBL. A lone position paper from Mayor Santos containing sentiments rather than support or opposition to the BBL was read by her representative. The same paper does not represent the whole council neither the constituents of Isabela City. Said statement by Mayor Santos was refuted by BTC Commissioner Pete Eisma saying that there are only two city councilors opposing the BBL, with the majority are pro BBL and just a few with unknown positions as of the day of consultation.
Isabela City Councilor Max Alejo asked Congressman Biazon, a seemingly confusing question that says “We know that the constitution is the highest law of the land, is it necessary to amend it for the enactment of BBL? He warned the Congress not to amend the constitution as it cannot be ‘changed’ because it is as holy as the Bible.
Congressman Biason answered him indirectly by relating his experience during the war in Sulu and Basilan. He recalled many places he visited such as Marang Marang, Candiis, Tuburan, Silangkum and Tipo-Tipo. He said, “Let us end the war. We came here with Cong. Tupay Loong and former Cong. Gerry Salapuddin our adversaries during the war and during those days we faced each other as enemies with guns, where the poor civilians and farmers were mostly the victims, badly affected and displaced. Now, I can see former Cong. Salapuddin, who is tired of war”.
Congressman Rufus supplemented, “We are looking at the constitutionality of BBL and if we see some unconstitutional provisions, we can remove them”. Congressman Loong took the microphone when Chairman Rodriguez called him to answer. He said “we came here to ask you, of what do you want us to do, not the otherwise”. “We came and shall listen to you what would be your recommendation then our actions shall be based on what you see is good for you”.
A position paper from the group of Badjaos in Maluso read by their representative, a Christian lady proposed that “We, the Badjaos or Samal Badjaos shall not be considered as IPs anymore, as we are the most marginalized tribes as we are in every place, in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga, Cebu, Davao etc. if talk about numbers, we are longer a minority in the Bangsamoro homeland.
We want to have the same privileges and opportunities as other tribes like the Yakans, Tao sugs, Maguindanaon, Maranaos and others”.
Former Deputy Speaker Salapuddin, the Father of Yakan Leaders was called to speak on behalf of the constituents of Basilan. He raised three important points such as: (1.) “The life span of BTA which is one year and one month not only too short but suicidal. When the Commonwealth Government was granted to the Philippines by the Americans it was decades before the Philippine Independence was granted.
This month of November, we have not perfected yet the governance despite more than hundred years of the establishment of the Philippine Republic. What do you expect in a one year transition? It is going to fail, and we don’t want that to happen.
(2.) Article V sec.1 no.4. Postal Service- Why is it so difficult for the Central Government in giving this power to the Bangsamoro Government while private companies such as Western Union, LBC, ML Lhuillier could deliver couriers to the citizens because the Philippine Postal Services could no longer perform effectively and efficiently?
(3.) I strongly support the immediate passage of BBL, which is feasible and implementable. As combatants and thrice wounded in the battle field, I strongly appeal to the Ad Hoc Committee, to let us make the Bangsamoro Government a successful experiment so that we have a lasting peace in Mindanao and the Philippines”.
Isabela City Councilor Nida Dans reading their position paper as a woman of Basilan and as representative from Mindanao Commission on Women said, “We strongly support the GPH-MILF Peace Process in Mindanao and the passage of BBL by the Congress. And we also strongly recommend the meaningful political participation of women in the legislative, executive and others contained in the BBL”.
Former Assemblyman Harris Samanul read their position as Chairman of NGO Concerned Alliance of Professionals and Students Inc. (CAPSI) that says, “House Bill no. 4994 is nearly perfect we strongly support the speedy passage of the BBL into law”.
Provincial Board member Candu I. Muarip said that, “Almost all Basileños are fully supportive of the passage of the BBL, so my appeal to each and every one of the Basileños in this last Moro venture for governance to support the BBL. I for one as resident of this province will exert efforts for the passage of House Bill 4994”.
Before dusk, Chairman Rodriguez called on every congressman to comment. The first to make comment was Cong. Biason that made a very short message, “we came here, we listen, and we perform. Thank you”. Congressman Henry S. Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamiz, said “Among the 17th consultations including this one, this has the highest number of participants and a very successful congressional hearing on House Bill no.4994”.
Congressman Loong gave his last message and said, “The 1972 sound of guns has many meaning such as hope, freedom and peaceful coexistence and those contained in the BBL should not be interpreted as wrong so that we cannot commit mistake again. That’s why we are here. It needs everybody to speak up as you were given the freedom to express your opinions”.
Congress Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga who was the last to speak posed a joke that runs, “The politicians are happy when the audience is going home and few are left as audience like drivers and the body guards which means they have understood what had been discussed and laughing. Anyway as parting words, “We are for peace, everybody loves peace, so we have to be patient and diligent and vigilant about the contents of the BBL”.
Congressman Rodrigues making a closing message with a loud voice who was so pleased with the outcome of the public hearing thanked the leaders of Basilan mentioning Congressman Jim Hataman-Salliman, Governor Jum J. Akbar and the people of Basilan for their passionate, enthusiastic and eagerness for the passage of the BBL. Before the end of the activity, additional position papers submitted to the committee.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1358-house-ad-hoc-committee-on-bbl-holds-consultation-in-basilan
Before the formal start of the program, a cultural presentation were performed by a Yakan ; and a Badjao Dance accompanied by native instruments.
More than 5,000 people attended the consultation including 12 mayors except Mayor Cherrylyn Santos of Isabela City. Sangguniang Bayan members from various municipalities of Basilan and Isabela Sangguniang Panlunsod members of Isabela City, Provincial Governor Jum Akbar and his vice governor who welcomes the Ad Hoc committee members headed by Congressman Rodrigues. The consultation was held at the Basilan State College at Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City. It was jam packed with a big crowd ever seen in the city with people so eager and full of enthusiasm to express their full support to the BBL and its speedy passage in congress.
Various groups submitted 28 positions papers to the committee all but one supporting the BBL. A lone position paper from Mayor Santos containing sentiments rather than support or opposition to the BBL was read by her representative. The same paper does not represent the whole council neither the constituents of Isabela City. Said statement by Mayor Santos was refuted by BTC Commissioner Pete Eisma saying that there are only two city councilors opposing the BBL, with the majority are pro BBL and just a few with unknown positions as of the day of consultation.
Isabela City Councilor Max Alejo asked Congressman Biazon, a seemingly confusing question that says “We know that the constitution is the highest law of the land, is it necessary to amend it for the enactment of BBL? He warned the Congress not to amend the constitution as it cannot be ‘changed’ because it is as holy as the Bible.
Congressman Biason answered him indirectly by relating his experience during the war in Sulu and Basilan. He recalled many places he visited such as Marang Marang, Candiis, Tuburan, Silangkum and Tipo-Tipo. He said, “Let us end the war. We came here with Cong. Tupay Loong and former Cong. Gerry Salapuddin our adversaries during the war and during those days we faced each other as enemies with guns, where the poor civilians and farmers were mostly the victims, badly affected and displaced. Now, I can see former Cong. Salapuddin, who is tired of war”.
Congressman Rufus supplemented, “We are looking at the constitutionality of BBL and if we see some unconstitutional provisions, we can remove them”. Congressman Loong took the microphone when Chairman Rodriguez called him to answer. He said “we came here to ask you, of what do you want us to do, not the otherwise”. “We came and shall listen to you what would be your recommendation then our actions shall be based on what you see is good for you”.
A position paper from the group of Badjaos in Maluso read by their representative, a Christian lady proposed that “We, the Badjaos or Samal Badjaos shall not be considered as IPs anymore, as we are the most marginalized tribes as we are in every place, in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga, Cebu, Davao etc. if talk about numbers, we are longer a minority in the Bangsamoro homeland.
We want to have the same privileges and opportunities as other tribes like the Yakans, Tao sugs, Maguindanaon, Maranaos and others”.
Former Deputy Speaker Salapuddin, the Father of Yakan Leaders was called to speak on behalf of the constituents of Basilan. He raised three important points such as: (1.) “The life span of BTA which is one year and one month not only too short but suicidal. When the Commonwealth Government was granted to the Philippines by the Americans it was decades before the Philippine Independence was granted.
This month of November, we have not perfected yet the governance despite more than hundred years of the establishment of the Philippine Republic. What do you expect in a one year transition? It is going to fail, and we don’t want that to happen.
(2.) Article V sec.1 no.4. Postal Service- Why is it so difficult for the Central Government in giving this power to the Bangsamoro Government while private companies such as Western Union, LBC, ML Lhuillier could deliver couriers to the citizens because the Philippine Postal Services could no longer perform effectively and efficiently?
(3.) I strongly support the immediate passage of BBL, which is feasible and implementable. As combatants and thrice wounded in the battle field, I strongly appeal to the Ad Hoc Committee, to let us make the Bangsamoro Government a successful experiment so that we have a lasting peace in Mindanao and the Philippines”.
Isabela City Councilor Nida Dans reading their position paper as a woman of Basilan and as representative from Mindanao Commission on Women said, “We strongly support the GPH-MILF Peace Process in Mindanao and the passage of BBL by the Congress. And we also strongly recommend the meaningful political participation of women in the legislative, executive and others contained in the BBL”.
Former Assemblyman Harris Samanul read their position as Chairman of NGO Concerned Alliance of Professionals and Students Inc. (CAPSI) that says, “House Bill no. 4994 is nearly perfect we strongly support the speedy passage of the BBL into law”.
Provincial Board member Candu I. Muarip said that, “Almost all Basileños are fully supportive of the passage of the BBL, so my appeal to each and every one of the Basileños in this last Moro venture for governance to support the BBL. I for one as resident of this province will exert efforts for the passage of House Bill 4994”.
Before dusk, Chairman Rodriguez called on every congressman to comment. The first to make comment was Cong. Biason that made a very short message, “we came here, we listen, and we perform. Thank you”. Congressman Henry S. Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamiz, said “Among the 17th consultations including this one, this has the highest number of participants and a very successful congressional hearing on House Bill no.4994”.
Congressman Loong gave his last message and said, “The 1972 sound of guns has many meaning such as hope, freedom and peaceful coexistence and those contained in the BBL should not be interpreted as wrong so that we cannot commit mistake again. That’s why we are here. It needs everybody to speak up as you were given the freedom to express your opinions”.
Congress Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga who was the last to speak posed a joke that runs, “The politicians are happy when the audience is going home and few are left as audience like drivers and the body guards which means they have understood what had been discussed and laughing. Anyway as parting words, “We are for peace, everybody loves peace, so we have to be patient and diligent and vigilant about the contents of the BBL”.
Congressman Rodrigues making a closing message with a loud voice who was so pleased with the outcome of the public hearing thanked the leaders of Basilan mentioning Congressman Jim Hataman-Salliman, Governor Jum J. Akbar and the people of Basilan for their passionate, enthusiastic and eagerness for the passage of the BBL. Before the end of the activity, additional position papers submitted to the committee.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1358-house-ad-hoc-committee-on-bbl-holds-consultation-in-basilan
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