MILF: House leaders to exert efforts to pass the BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 16): House leaders to exert efforts to pass the BBL



Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in their statement yesterday during the opening of the exhibit of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process at the House of Representatives said that, “They would exert all efforts to pass the BBL before the end of the month.  The bill seeks to create a new region called Bangsamoro that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“A lot of people see this proposed law as solving the persistent and recurring conflict in Mindanao. This is the best solution we have at this time. Despite the fact that time is short, we are giving this our best shot,” Belmonte told reporters.

He appealed to his colleagues to be present during plenary sessions so that the deliberations on the BBL can continue and be voted upon before the end of the month.
“Let’s all vote on it BBL. Even if you’re against it, just vote… but let’s all be there,” he said.

Addressing lawmakers and other concerned sectors, Belmonte said the country is now in “very interesting times and every other critical piece of legislation must be backed by the support of the general public.”

 “Unfortunately, camps who oppose the passage of the BBL sow misinformation to gain unfair public support. Myths are crafted to erode the momentum of the proposed bill, raising questions on constitutionality and distribution of power and resources,” he said.

Rodriguez said the House will ensure that it will not pass a BBL that is not legally sound or unconstitutional, but a version that will be inclusive enough to integrate the needs and concerns of all.

Mohaquer Iqbal, Chief Negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said he believes the issue of lack of quorum in the House is just a “fleeting problem.”

“I still trust in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the BBL,” Iqbal said at the event.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/568-house-leaders-to-exert-efforts-to-pass-the-bbl