Press Release
February 28, 2018

BBL: GREATEST ARSENAL FOR ACHIEVING PEACE IN MINDANAO -ANGARA

Senator Sonny Angara on Wednesday co-sponsored the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which, he said, has the ultimate goal of achieving long-lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao.

"The BBL comprises our greatest legal arsenal for achieving peace. It will ensure that the region will become fertile ground, no longer for violence or terrorism, but for opportunities and active civic engagement. BBL can be life-saving, and hopefully life-changing," said Angara, chairman of local government committee.

The Senate sub-committee on BBL, created under the local government committee, reported out Senate Bill 1717 after conducting five public hearings, and six public consultations in Marawi, Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu and Zamboanga City, led by its chairman Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

"After all the consultations and public hearings, we have determined that the answer to the 'Bangsamoro Question' should be true autonomy and self-determination, through a long-term political solution that resonates and is consistent with the Constitution," Angara said.

The proposed measure seeks to clearly delineate reserved, concurrent and exclusive powers between the central and Bangsamoro governments, as well as to provide fiscal empowerment and comprehensive representation.

The senator said the BBL is needed to help stop armed groups from recruiting and amassing critical support.

"Nangako na ang mga armadong grupo tulad ng MILF na ibababa na nila ang kanilang armas bilang bahagi ng decommissioning process. Napapanahon na para suklian ang disarmament na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtupad sa pangako na paiigtingin ang kanilang otonomiya," he added.

The lawmaker further stressed that peace should go hand in hand with progress.

"Ang pagsusulong ng kaunlaran ay nag-uugat sa pag-usbong ng tunay na kapayapaan. Anumang hakbang patungo sa kapayapaan ay isang hakbang rin patungo sa kasaganaan.

"Let the sounds of war be replaced by the laughs of active school children, the murmurs of loving families, and the buzz of investment and industry," Angara said.

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