I am not worried about the timing. This can be done within 2014 and we can still have a plebiscite early next year. I am more worried about the substance, whether we can arrive at a good draft that Congress can work on without having to change too much. I think that the MILF should be prepared with the possibility that Congress will make substantial changes. Personally, I think that there needs to be a full chapter on indigenous peoples rights in the law as well as a chapter on the role of local governments, both incorporating universally recognized and accepted principles and processes for the zindigenous Peoples Rights Act and the Local Government Code. The MNLF Agreement should also be incorporated into the basic law so there is consistency with that agreement which is still valid, binding and must be complied with. The power on legislation is plenary and Congress will enact a bill not not just for the MILF but for all stakeholders. And while mindful of the negotiations and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Basic Law itself is not going it be a product of negotiation but a judgment call by Congress based on both constitutional and policy grounds.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 00:22:21 +0000
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