GPH, MILF to Ensure Bangsamoro Law Will be Constitutional

Manila (PNA) — The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continue resolving significant points of differences in a bid to come up with Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that adheres to Constitution and acceptable to all stakeholders.

GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer stressed this as the review of the draft BBL by the negotiating panels progresses.

“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,” she said in a statement.

“We will not and cannot move forward in the roadmap towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro unless we hurdle this crucial stage,” she added.

Ferrer said the Aquino administration has been consistent in its commitment for a Bangsamoro law that conforms to what has been agreed upon in the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

She said the BBL will pass through regular legislation in Congress and therefore must fall within the parameters of the Constitution.

Ferrer said both parties 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 (Bangsamoro Transition Commission) has been given the mandate to recommend changes in the Constitution all those ideas that could not be  ccommodated now under this Constitution. But the BBL must necessarily be constitutional,” she said.

Ferrer reiterated both parties’ goal for 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,” she added. (PNA) JBP/LDV/JSD

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