Basic facts about the BBL
THERE has been a lot of noise on Facebook and Twitter regarding the versions of the Senate and House bill that are up for debate in the upcoming bicameral session. Of course, the Bangsamoro Basic Law is not just a simple piece of legislation; with it comes the hopes and dreams of a realized Bangsamoro, as promised in the 1987 Constitution.
This ideal means that any discussion regarding the bill must be done with an open, critically-thinking mind. My staff and I have compiled some basic facts that can hopefully address various present concerns about the Bangsamoro Basic Law. About the Bangsamoro Peace Process and the BBL
The Bangsamoro Peace Process refers to the four decades of struggle of the Bangsamoro people to property, representation, and self-determination. This has been backed up by historical incidences of Moro resistance to foreign power, dating back to the United States’ annexation of Muslim Mindanao after Philippine independence from Spain.
The marginalization and conflict between the Philippine government and the Moro people have led to stillvisible political tension and strife in the region. Due to this, there are three main reasons for pursuing peace in the Bangsamoro region. These are the following: economic, disruption of social welfare, and loss of human life.
Concurrently, the Bangsamoro refers to the identity, political entity, and government system of those who live in what is currently known as the Au- tonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, or Armm. To be included in the BBL are those areas are those who voted “yes” in the Armm plebiscite. Key Provisions in the BBL
The main provisions in the BBL are the following: political autonomy, fiscal autonomy, shariah justice and jurisprudence, IP rights and environmental protection, and transitory provisions. These key aspects of the BBL allot for greater autonomy and protection of the socio-political and economic rights of the Bangsamoro. Here, there will be greater control over governance, the legal system, budget and economy, natural resources, as well as a transitory commission acting as the interim governing body. This body will aid in the proper implementation of the BBL. Is the BBL “lesser” than the current Armm?
As it stands, the BTC version of the proposed BBL delineates greater political and fiscal autonomy for the Bangsamoro than that of Armm. It includes expanded powers, such as for the creation of a parliamentary style of government, to be headed by the Chief Minister. This governing body will be supervised by the President. Regional offices of national institutions such as the armed forces, COA, and CHR will also be included.
In the fiscal aspect, the Bangsamoro Basic Law has the block grant and fiscal allotments which allow for critical and immediate concerns such as infrastructure, agriculture, and other public works. This larger fiscal allotment and grant from the central government will be proportional to the income generated by the territory and its people, allowing development and growth to the region. Where Are We Now? What’s Next?
The upcoming bicameral conference will be held on July 9-13, 2018 to determine which aspects of the House and Senate amended bills will be implemented into the final bill, to be signed by President Duterte before his 3rd State of the Nation Address.
Therefore, both bills will be discussed at length in order to determine its suitability to the current state of affairs in the current Bangsamoro territory, as well as to its constituents.
There is a proper place and time for discussions on the BBL. During the upcoming bicameral session, we will debate on what is truly best for the Bangsamoro people. We cannot allow ourselves to be carried away with our emotions -- cool logic and reason is in the best interest of all. I appeal to everyone involved that we in the BTC are doing all we can, to fight for an inclusive law that grants what is due for all.