By: Genalyn D. Kabiling
An autonomous Bangsamoro region will soon be a reality.
President Duterte vowed to certify as urgent the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law for its swift passage in Congress, saying he would pose no objection to provisions consistent with the Constitution.
The President endorsed the envisioned Bangsamoro region after receiving the proposed BBL drafted by the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission in Malacañang yesterday.
“I commit to support – in front of everybody – my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration,” Duterte said before an assembly of peace stakeholders in Malacanang.
“There will be no objections of the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people. I am for this – within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country,” he added.
Duterte said he would certify the proposed BBL as urgent. “Yes, certify. I have requested both the Senate President and the Speaker to consider it immediately.”
Duterte admitted that debates on the BBL would take time but expressed hope he could show the document to the people at least before the end of the year.
The new draft bill aims to create an autonomous Bangsamoro region in a bid to end decades of armed struggle and violence as well as promote lasting peace in the troubled area. It replaces the old bill that failed to pass in Congress due to alleged unconstitutional provisions.
