Davide, Tagle to review BBL

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III said Friday that a national peace summit will be convened to look into the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law.

In a televised address to the nation, Aquino said he has invited “citizen leaders known for their knowledge and integrity” to stand as independent convenors of the summit.

Among these individuals are former chief justice Hilario Davide, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and prominent businessman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

“Sila ang magbubuklod sa iba pang responsable at respetadong pinuno upang pangunahan ang isang national peace summit,” Aquino said.

The president said the summit will discuss and scrutinize the BBL, which has been opposed following the Mamasapano incident.

“Hihimayin nila ang panukalang batas na ito sa mahinahon at responsableng paraan na hindi mag-uudyok ng mga galit at kawalan ng pag-asa,” Aquino said.

The national peace summit will come up with a report to help the public understand better the BBL, he added.

“Sa ganitong paraan, maisusulong natin ang makatwirang pagpapasya ukol sa Bangsamoro Basic Law,” the president said.

Aquino said the perceived gaps in the BBL will only be addressed if the debates on the controversial measure will continue.

Aquino also urged the public to prepare for more attacks on the BBL. He said Filipinos should look into the real motives of those opposing the measure.

He reiterated that the failure to pass the BBL will lead to more violence in Mindanao.

“Hindi kaya ang mga gustong pumigil sa BBL ay ang mga maaapektuhan ng transpormasyong nais nating gawing permanente para sa Bangsamoro,” Aquino said.

“Marahil ang tanging pakay nila ay muling maghariharian oras na bumalik tayo sa dating sistema,” he added.

The country marks today the anniversary of the signing of the Compre-hensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in March 27, 2014, concluding the over 17 years of negotiations.

The peace pact resulted in the creation of the draft BBL, which will serve as the enabling law for the proposed political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. — Philippine STAR News Service