By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday, June 7, revealed there were “political clans” that wanted to derail the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
He said as soon as Congress approves the measure and President Rodrigo Duterte signs it into law, several groups will therefore question its legality before the Supreme Court.
“There are certain groups that don’t want to see this approved because this would change the landscape in the autonomous region,” he said
He noted the planned BBL provision that bans political dynasties.
Under the proposed BBL, a candidate’s relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity are not allowed to run in the elections.
The relatives of a member of the Bangsamoro parliament up the second degree of consanguinity are also not allowed to hold a position.
“That is why mahalaga po na yung final outcome ay constitutionally compliant kasi kung hindi, ma-strike down siya. Kung ma-strike ito ng SC talagang magkakagulo dahil ito po ang huling hakbang ng gobyerno sa comprehensive agreement of the Bangsamoro, which is the peace agreement,” he said.
Zubiri said those that wish to derail the passage of the BBL should give it a chance for the sake of lasting peace in Mindanao.
He said the BBL will pave the way for members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to surrender their arms.
“I personally am not prepared to lose anymore lives. It’s enough already. Alam ko may political parties na nagagalit sa akin ngayon pero dapat mangibabaw ang peace. Tama na,” he said.
He said he hoped the Senate and the House of Representatives would reconcile their versions of the BBL within five days.