PNoy Urges Immediate Passage of Bangsamoro law

Manila (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III has asked Congress to fast-track the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as he assured it is in accordance with the Constitution.

“Now that we have a proposed bill, I fully believe that it is in accordance with our Constitution and with the principles of our Framework Agreement, and that it reflects our shared efforts towards growth that leaves no one behind,” the President said in a speech before he submitted the draft BBL to Congress leaders on Wednesday.

President Aquino also assured that the proposed Bangsamoro law was crafted to be “fair, just and acceptable to all”, whether they are Moros, Lumads or Christians.

The Chief Executive recalled that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) needed enough time to study every provision in the proposed law, as it “went through every detail involved in fulfilling shared desires for the Bangsamoro region.”

“If we are able to legislate this, we can give our Moro brothers enough time to prepare, thus enabling them to nurture the seeds of meaningful governance which were planted for the Bangsamoro,” he said.

President Aquino also urged Filipinos to support the BBL which is aimed at achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

“To my Bosses: now that we have turned over the bill to Congress, let us not think that the advancement of this important legislation depends on our Representatives alone. In truth, each one of us has an important role to play in ensuring the genuine transformation of society… Now, this I ask of you: Let us help our Filipino brethren,” he said.

The President underscored the need to boost growth of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“This is why we seek to promote fairness, especially as regards our countrymen in the margins, so that they themselves, as empowered individuals, may have the wherewithal to contribute to our collective growth,” President Aquino said.

“Let us not let go of the opportunity to bequeath a new future to the Land of Promise, and thus I urge you to walk with us as we march towards this realization,” he added.

President Aquino said that once Congress passes the BBL, the next step will be a plebiscite for the people of the Bangsamoro.

“The only appeal I make to our brothers and sisters who will vote in this plebiscite: Study well the provisions of the Law. Your understanding and your participation will be the best defense against those who seek to sow doubt in our agenda of a just and lasting peace. These will give you an even greater ability to take part in the transition to a strong Bangsamoro government in 2016,” he said. (PNA)
CTB/LDV