MAY 20 (Eagle News) — The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee has approved the amended version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Fifty voted in favor of the amended version of the law, and 17 voted against the amended law that will usher in the creation of a new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Only one lawmaker, Palawan Rep. Frederick Abueg who represented Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla, abstained.
He and other lawmakers from Palawan said they do not want Palawan to be included in the Bangsamoro region.
The new law will be called Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
After this, the proposed law will be brought to the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Committee on Appropriations. Afterwards, it will be brought to the plenary.
Among the congressmen from Mindanao who are members of the Ad Hoc Committee are Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Raden Sakaluran, Maguindanao, Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, Anak Mindanao Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer, Basilan Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman, Lanao Del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong, North Cotabato Rep. Jesus Sacdalan and Zamboanga Del Norte Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos.
Among the congressmen who voted against the BBL are Zamboanga City Representatives Lilia Marachon-Nuño At Celso Lobregat and Zamboanga Del Sur Rep. Aurora Cerilles.
These congressmen do not want the whole Zamboanga region to be included in the Bangsamoro region.
The minority members in Congress, who were members of the Committee, also voted against the BBL.
Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano voted against it because he felt that deliberations and voting on the law were being fast-tracked and railroaded
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodrigues, chairman of the committee, said this move was a good start to end the decades-old problem of rebellion and violence in Mindanao, and could be a step towards attaining peace in the region. (from a report of Jandi Amoroso, Eagle News Service)
