Expertsand Nothing in BBL that is unconstitutional

COTABATO CITY
(Sept. 18/NDBC) – Nothing in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is
unconstitutional, speakers of a talkshop series here today said.

Lawyer Al Amin
Julkipli, government peace panel legal counsel Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, MILF
peace panel member Prof. Edmund Tayao, LOGODEF executive director and
political analyst and Lawyer Randolph Parcasio, ARMM consultant were one in
saying that they do not see BBL violating the provisions of the Philippine
Constitution.

It was the
consensus among panel members who took turns in explaining the topic on Political
Autonomy and Bangsamoro Government” held at the Notre Dame University’s Tanghalang
Michael Clark and heard live over Radio Stations DXMS and DXND.

None,” Lawyer
Julkipli said. I think there is none,” Prof. Linggo said, shaking his head.
Both Tayao and Parcasio agreed.

Early in the
two-hour discussions, both representatives of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) peace panels believed the draft law will have a smooth sail in
Congress.

The
greatest challenge now is acceptability,” Parcasio, who is serving as
consultant of the ARMM which will be replaced by the new Bangsamoro government,
said.

Speaking from
the heart, Parcasio saidand The greatest challenge is acceptability of BBL by
Filipino people.”

Tayao
explained that once the draft becomes a law and ratified by its people, it does
not mean all other laws in the country will no longer operate and effective.

Responding to
inquiry, Tayao cited as example the EPIRA law. The EPIRA law still applies, as
well as other laws,” he said.

Julkipli said a
symmetrical relationship between central government and Bangsamoro government
was not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.

But its
characteristics are within the framework of the Philippine Constitution,”
Julkipli said.

Lingga said
the symmetrical relationship between Bangsamoro government and Manila government
was included in the draft to recognize the Bangsamoro identity.

The intent is
to recognize the distinct identity of a particular group of people. Example Cordillera
Autonomous Region and the ARMM,” Tayao added.

Clearly and
effectively facilitated by Lawyer Benny Bacani, executive director of Institute
for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), the talkshop series provided the public with
at least an overview of the draft BBL now set for discussion by Philippine
Congress.

IAG
distributed booklet type and handy draft BBL to participants for easy
reference. Copies of thedraft bill can be
accessed through the internet from OPAPP and MILF websites.

A joint
project of IAG, NDU, Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation and Kondrad Adenauer
Stiftung, the talkshop series primarily aimed at educating the public, engaging
them in a healthy discussion and help bring about the much desired peace in
Mindanao.

On October 4,
the second part of the series will have the issue of Fiscal Autonomy, Wealth-Sharing
and Economy” as the topics.

It will also
be aired live over NDBC radio stations. (NDBC)