Peace in Mindanao: Bangsamoro Basic Law(BBL)

Bangsamoro Basic Law(BBL), its purpose is to establish the new Bangsamoro political entity and provide for its basic structure of government, in recognition of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people¹. It is expected to give way to replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). BBL is a fruit of the 17-year peace talks between the government and the rebel groups in Mindanao. ²Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles recognizes the event as a turning point in the nation’s quest for peace in Mindanao.³

For a number of years, the war between the government and rebel soldiers in the Region of Mindanao has caused not only property and financial loss but most specially loss of lives. Live of both government and rebel soldiers as well as innocent civilians caught in between.

To bring peace in the said region, in September 10, 2014 the Bangsamoro Basic Law, House Bill No.4994, was submitted to Congress. The members of the congress stated that they must review the BBL to ensure that it will not be contrary to the Philippine constitution and there will be possible revisions to the passed BBL.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. stressed that the legislative branch has the power to amend bills, and that this authority must be respected by both the MILF and the Philippine government.⁴

For a law to be valid it must not be unconstitutional. For that reason there is a need for the BBL to be in accordance with the constitution an in light of this, there are parts of the law that legislatures want to examine closely.

Peace in the entirety of the Philippines is the overall intention of this agreement between the government and the MILF and through this law there may be a chance for it to be achieved. But because of resent events, like the Mamasapano mis encounter, there may be a delay. But as said by government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer,“BBL is not down and still kicking,” Ferrer said during a press briefing.

The government will continue to pursue a peaceful and lasting solution to the decades-old armed conflict in southern Philippines.

1http://www.gov.ph/2014/09/10/q-and-a-the-draft-bangsamoro-basic-law/

2http://asianjournal.com/news/milf-urges-lawmakers-to-pass-bbl-with-no-changes/

3http://www.gov.ph/2014/09/10/document-the-draft-bangsamoro-basic-law/

4http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/438909/news/nation/palace-expects-milf-to-recognize-possible-revisions-to-proposed-bbl