BBL approval lauded
RELIGIOUS groups in the country have welcomed the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law by the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee last May 20, expressing gratitude to Congress for their efforts in reviewing and approving the historic measure.
National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Com- missioner Salem Demuna lauded the legislators who voted “yes” during the House committee deliberations for serving as champions of the people who have been marginalized for so long.
“Please extend my heartfelt and sincere thank you to those who voted yes. They are truly
peacemakers who are open-minded in passing the legislative measure, a manifestation of the dynamism of this government in responding to the needs, sentiments and aspirations of our people. Thank you so much congressmen,” Demuna said.
The NCMF commissioner also added his call for the passage of a BBL consistent with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), saying that its enactment will empower his fellow Filipino-Bangsamoros in the pursuit of a better quality of life which is the most precious gift the nation could offer to the next generation.
Demuna’s call was reiterated by Ustadz Abulrahman Taher of Kazalimbago Movement who also commended the House committee for their dili - gent work in the pursuit of peace. He pleaded for Congress not to deviate from the spirit of the CAB which aims to address the Bangsamoro aspiration for genuine autonomy.
Sr. Arnold Maria Noel of the Servant of the Holy Spirits as well as member and board of director of the Balay Rehabilitation Center, voiced her concern on the changes made to draft Bangsamoro law.
“Just while I’m glad that 50 voted in favor of the BBL, I saddened because certain important provisions were either diluted or removed such as contiguous territories and strategic minerals,” Noel said.
However, all of them have remained hopeful for the support of Congress in establishing a Bangsam - oro that will finally end the long wait of fellow Filipinos in that part of the country for peace and progress.