Amending the ARMM Law

SBy EVERAL attempts totally revising the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were introduced by various administrations. The most telling was the P-Noy watch riddled with unconstitutional provisions. Perplexing was the manner in which the BBL (Bansamoro Basic Law) was muscled for passage by the Palace. Why the need to hurry the process? The over-bearing shadow of Putra Jaya reportedly writing provisions favoring the MILF under the proposed law? To the consternation of Nur Misuari’s MNLF left in the cold, with both Malaysian patron and MILF accomplice strategically out-maneuvering the original secessionist movement. On official visit to the country to witness signing of GPH-MILF Framework of Agreement on October 2015, Malaysian head Najib Razak was reported saying, “When a banana tree has given of its fruits, it is cut down.” In reference to the MNLF co-opted by the Philippine government, no longer serving Malaysian interest.

To showcase inclusiveness for BBL, pseudo-MNLF members sans official recognition from Misuari were consulted. The entire process settling the Southern Mindanao conflict, belabored. Notably absent among stakeholders on BBL was the Kiram family an expose by Prince Omar Kiram said several hundreds of millions of dollars exchanged hands at the highest level to pass BBL, further confirming suspicions the accommodation of the MILF was appeasement for its principal who to this day is unnerved by the elephant in the room. Was this rebellion not a covert diversion on their illegal occupation of Sabah! How, Malaysia initiated and funded secessionist movements in reaction to the Benigno Aquino Jr.’s Senate expose of Philippine intent to retake back North Borneo territory. Certain fundamental questions require asking, e.g., the existence of a Moro nation? History has moved the dial forward. Reality on the ground is of Tausogs, Maranaos, Samals, Badjaos, etc.,who identify themselves as such, and a majority who openly proclaim themselves Filipinos. There is the greatest constitutional hurdle of Article X on the Autonomous Regions Sec 15 & 19. Under the Senate Committee of the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, former justices of the SC, as resource speakers, questioned whether a succeeding Congress has the power to create new autonomous regions. They answered in the negative. This was reposed to the first Congress. Amending ARMM Law is the route.