By Lilian C. Mellejor
CAMP DARAPANAN, Sultan Kudarat, July 26 (PNA) — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim is expecting President Benigno Aquino to reiterate his commitment on the passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
“I hope he could enlighten more those who are still opposing the BBL,” Murad said during a conversation with members of the media at his headquarters in Camp Darapanan on Saturday.
At this time, Murad said the government and the MILF panels are confronted with many issues particularly after the Mamasapano incident that further derailed the passage of the BBL.
“We see the importance of being able to reach all stakeholders of the peace process,” he said, adding that the Mamasapano incident has rendered delay in the passage of the law.
He said he sees it ideal that an acceptable BBL is passed. “Everybody is hoping the passage of the original draft,” he pointed out, although he disclosed they are also trying their best to reach out to stakeholders for support.
He explained that an acceptable BBL means is in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and the Annexes.
If not passed, Murad said they will continue to demand the implementation of the CAB and the FAB and the Annexes. He, however reminded that “BBL is only the instrument to implement the CAB and FAB”.
Murad emphasized that success of the peace process also lies in the popular support of the people especially the stakeholders outside of the Bangsamoro territory that they would like to rally and get on board.
He said the peace process is not only for the MILF. “We are also trying to work out that people see BBL as not BBL of the MILF. It is drafted jointly by the MILF and the government
In a report, Cagayan Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the House AdHoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, was quoted saying that the House of Representatives will buckle down to work after the SONA to continue discussing House Bill 5811.
Rodriguez said he has prepared to defend his bill, now known as draft Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), when Congress went on recess.
According to Rodriguez, the House is eyeing to pass the Bangsamoro basic law by mid-September.
“I am confident my proposal will hurdle questioning because I have prepared to answer all debates from House members,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel in talks with the MILF, lauded the House leaders for the commitment to pass the law by September.
But while Ferrer lauded the House “for the efforts,” she said people are anxiously waiting for the committee report of Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on the proposed Bangsamoro Law to be released.
“Until the Senate committee report is out, the law-making process in the Upper House stays at a standstill, she said in a statement. (PNA)