Manila Times/Manila
Malacanang has defended the organisation of a National Peace Summit, announced by President Benigno S Aquino on Friday, arguing that it is not intended to override the work of Congress in crafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
In a radio interview yesterday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the intention is for the public to understand the peace process and the BBL.
Through the peace summit, the public can provide inputs to the BBL so that in the end, a more refined Bangsamoro law could be crafted by Congress, Valte told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
The Palace official also commented on a statement made by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel that the review of the citizens’ council on the BBL would not have any impact on the Congressional deliberations on the Bangsamoro law.
“Certainly, your senators will act and comport themselves as they see fit,” Valte said.
“But it also contributes to the public discourse when there is a space wherein people can discuss and debate the issue of BBL without disinformation, without misinformation, and that contributes to the understanding of the BBL, as well.”
The intention is not to replace the legislative process but to provide an avenue for discussions on the BBL in a rational and calm manner, so that improvements can be made, Valte said.
Valte further said that the citizens’ council was created, not to supplant Congress and override the legislative process that the BBL has to undergo, but to create an opportunity for well-respected community leaders to come together and discuss the BBL.
In the end, she said, the body could propose ways to move forward.
Doubts on the passage of the BBL, as well as on the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), have heightened following the Mamasapano incident last January 25, which resulted in the death of 44 police commandos, 18 MILF fighters, and several civilians.
There are fears that the incident would derail the passage of the BBL, which is already behind schedule.
President Aquino said on Friday that he has invited citizen leaders known for their wisdom and integrity to stand as independent conveners. Among them include Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Howard Dee and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman.
He said they will gather other responsible and respected leaders to spearhead a National Peace Summit to deliberate and discuss the BBL
“in a calm and reasonable manner that will not incite anger and hopelessness,” with the hope of improving the law.
“They will write a report that will be made public, so that everyone may be informed, and so that more of our countrymen may understand the matter. In this manner, we will be able to advance a reasonable decision as regards the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” the president said.
International / ASEAN/Philippines
Presidential office defends creation of citizens’ council on Bangsamoro law
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