Bangsamoro law, federalism at top of House agenda

MANILA, Philippines — As the second regular session of the 17th Congress opened, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez pitched for the passage of the law that would create an autonomous area at the heart of Mindanao aimed at ending violence and banditry that have plagued the region.

Speaking before 264 legislators who attended the opening session, Alvarez pushed for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the shift from a unitary to a federal form of government, saying these are the key to a "lasting peace and prosperity for the country."

The speaker said the Bangsamoro Basic Law, whose draft was submitted to the president several days ago, was the basis for the creation of a homeland for Moro on Mindanao island, where many of the country's five million Muslims reside.

The shift to federalism, meanwhile, is expected to "address the structural defects that have hampered our national strategy in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and progress," Alvarez said.

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The shift to a federal type of government is one of President Rodrigo Duterte's major campaign promises, believing that such change would propel the countryside's development and cure the imbalance in development among the country's regions.

Critics, however, point out a systemic sickness spawning corruption, red tape and use of armed groups that a shift to federalism would not cure and might even enhance.

Mining, transportation, casinos

The speaker also called on Congress to pass a law that would reorganize government bureaucracy, specifically by requiring the operators of casinos, public transportation and mining to seek congressional franchises.

"The regulatory framework is chaotic, full of overlaps, conflicts of interests and, at times, there is no clear central regulatory body," Alvarez said.

He said that this reorganization would ensure and protect the safety of the public.

The Land Transpiration Office and the Land Transpiration Franchising and Regulatory Board should be merged into the Land Transportation Authority, he said.

He added that railways must be governed by the Philippine Railways Authority which will provide uniform standards and fares for train operations nationwide.

He said that PAGCOR should not regulate and operate casinos at the same time, saying that this risks "dealing itself with a favorable hand while undercutting others."

In recent months, deadly transportation incidents have rocked the nation. These have been blamed on the country's decrepit transportation system and lax regulation.

The casino industry was also shaken by tragedy after a lone gunman barged into the Resorts World complex in Pasay City, shot a volley of fires and set gambling tables ablaze. This led to the death of 38 people, including the suspect.

"This will make certain that their applications are scrutinized deeply. Only the deserving will be allowed to operate," he said.

During his speech, Alvarez also listed the chamber's accomplishments and thanked the representatives for their hard work.

However, he cautioned lawmakers and said that a lot of work needs to be done during the regular session.

"We have reasons to celebrate," he said. "We have plenty of challenges to finish."