Former Chief Justice, Ex-Congressman Face Off in First Church-organized BBL Forum

Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and former Cebu governor and congressman Pablo Garcia will face off Tuesday in the first forum on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) organized by the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Davide will speak in favor of the BBL, while Garcia will speak against the proposed law.

Retired Cebu City Regional Trial Court Judge Simeon Dumdum will act as moderator.

The forum will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Archbishop Palace on D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City.

The objective of the forum is to have an intelligent discussion and responsible decision on the issue.

In his invitation to the media, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Socrates Villegas and CBCP Public Affairs Commission chairman Bishop Broderick Pabillo are calling on Congress for more time in the study of BBL draft and not to rush its approval.

“Understanding the grave importance of the matter on hand, I enjoin you and your parish representatives to participate in a forum to clarify the pros and cons of BBL,” said Palma in his message addressed to the clergy, parishes and mandated organizations under the Archdiocese of Cebu.

An exit poll will also be conducted before the end of the forum. (PNA) FPV/EB/SSC