ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 14 (PNA) Twenty-three groups have submitted to the Senate Committee on Local Government their position papers indicating their respective stand on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on local government, made this announcement Thursday here at the opening of the public hearing on the proposed BBL.
Marcos said the conduct of public hearing “on the ground” is important in order to get the sentiments of the concerned stakeholders.
“We always manage to learn something new whenever we hold public hearing outside Manila,” Marcos pointed out.
Senator Allan Peter Cayetano, in an interview described the public hearing “on site” as productive since the concerned stakeholders are given the opportunity freely discuss concerning the proposed BBL.
“We will listen to the different sectors to determine what solutions are applicable in order to have a long and lasting peace,” Cayetano said.
More than 1,000 people coming from different sectors showed up at the convention hall of a local hotel downtown where the hearing is being conducted.
Among the groups that submitted position papers on the proposed BBL are the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi Chapter, Archdiocese of Zamboanga, city government, and other civil society organizations and peoples organizations.
Aside from Marcos and Cayetano, also present during the public hearing are the following: first district Rep. Celso Lobregat, second district Rep. Lilia Nuño, Davao del Norte second district Rep. Antonio Lagdameo, Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar and other government officials.
On Wednesday, the Marcos-led committee also held a public hearing in the province of Sulu. (PNA)