A state is usually defined and
describe as a definite territory occupied by a population that has an organized
government and has sovereignty internally and externally. A definite territory
gives a state an exact border of land, sea and aerial domain by which where it
could employ and extend control. A population embodies the number of
inhabitants of a state, which is considerably the most vital element because
without such, no one would be organizing the essence of statehood. Moreover, for
every population to move in a system and organize manner, there should be a
government who shall monitor them and be held in charge of such. And lastly,
all would be wasted if there would be no essence of internal sovereignty or
control and administration among its own people and external sovereignty or
recognition and independence from other nations. Those four elements (territory,
population, government and sovereignty) directly characterize what a state is
comprised and made of. However, given those classifications, would the
establishment of a Bangsamoro government and state would prejudice the Philippine
government, state, sovereignty and constitution?
The Philippine government has
been in conflict with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for decades
already. But due to the ongoing peace proceedings, the casualties of war have
been lessened. Good relations have almost been established and better
understanding of their grounds has been given consideration. It seems to be
going to the path of peace that everyone is looking forward for. However, due
to the untimely and unexpected events and actions (cases of act of terrorism that are said prompted by the group: bombing of Davao Airport (2003),
connections with Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya) conducted by the group, the
peace process is almost put in to stop. Though, hope for peace is not yet out of sight,
there are still some people who deemed that there is still a chance to fix the
conflict in the area and enter to a long lasting peace. And in 2014, due to the
support of a number of members of the congress, the draft of the Bangsamoro
Basic Law (BBL) has been passed [1].
But not long after that, the
sympathy and support of the people for such law has been withdrew [2]. The
clamor for peace has shifted to the wish to end everything through entering
war. It is all because what happened last, January 2015 (SAF44 incident). And
because of such, questions regarding the constitutionality of BBL are being
raised. If BBL would be passed, the Bangsamoro would be having a definite
territory for them to occupy and a government to organize themselves
autonomously [3]. Having three-out-of-Four (territory, population and territory)
of the elements of a state, would it be possible that it will prejudice the
internal sovereignty of the Philippines? In such case, making the BBL
unconstitutional.
For my opinion, I think, it
would not prejudice the essence of sovereignty of the Philippines. It is true
that the region would be autonomous but it still under the direct supervision of
the Philippine government. It may act on its own but not totally without the
guidance and permission of the central government. All is still dependent to
the central government. So, nothing is prejudice and put at risk. Furthermore,
the passage of BBL might end the arms conflict, promote peace and further
organization and development of the area. I think, hoping for the dreamed and wished
peace is not yet over.
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[1] http://jlp-law.com/blog/bangsamoro-basic-law-house-bill-no-4994-full-text/
[2] http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/442877/news/nation/senators-say-proposed-bbl-will-not-be-watered-down
[3] https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/ph493a.pdf
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