Be liberal in discussions on BOL, Supreme Court asked

MANILA, Philippines — Senators appealed yesterday to Supreme Court (SC) justices to be liberal in their deliberations on the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who chaired a sub-committee on the BOL, thanked the SC for not issuing a restraining order on the plebiscite for the ratification of the law. 

“I am appealing to the honorable magistrates of the highest court of the land to... be liberal in their discussions on the BOL and consider the measure as an instrument of peace for our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Zubiri said. 

He said not issuing a restraining order paves the way for a smooth and orderly plebiscite that would ”usher in the peace and prosperity that we sorely need in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.” 

Zubiri noted that members of the Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously voted for the approval of the BOL. 

“We appeal as well to all parties, including those who opposed the measure to give this law a chance to uplift the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters after decades of fighting and deaths of close to 100,000 people due to never-ending conflicts between the government and secessionist groups,” Zubiri said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also expressed confidence that the SC would uphold the constitutionality of the BOL. 

“I personally devoted time and attention to the crafting of the law to make sure that... it is compliant with the Constitution,” Drilon said. – Jose Rodel Clapano