Senate, House leaders to act on proposed Bangsamoro law

MANILA, Philippines - Leaders of Congress have agreed to act on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law before Congress adjourns this June.

Last Thursday, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. met to discuss   priority bills to be taken up.

Drilon said the expectation is that the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law would be faithful to the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.

“Of particular importance to us is the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” he said. “If we can have the administration bill by May, we aim to pass it by the end of this year so that we can submit it for ratification in early 2015.” 

Drilon and Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation chairman, believe the Constitution need not be amended to implement the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

He has advised members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to ensure that the provisions of the basic law would not be in conflict with the provisions of the Constitution, Drilon said.

The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels have signed the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement and several annexes containing details of how a new Bangsamoro entity would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Transition Commission is now working on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law for the approval of Congress.  

Drilon said legislative priorities agreed upon during the meeting of congressional leaders could be grouped into three categories: anti-corruption, good governance and improving the country’s socio-economic condition. 

“We have a lot of promising pieces of legislation which, once passed, would promote heightened transparency and accountability in public office, and implement long-sought reforms in the delivery of justice,” he said.

Drilon said among these are the proposed amendments to the Sandiganbayan Law, the Freedom of Information Bill, Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, and proposed amendments to the Witness Protection Act.

“At the same time, we are looking at several measures aimed at ensuring better macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability, and at improving the country’s overall competitiveness and business climate,” he said.

These include the rationalization of fiscal incentives, proposed amendments to the Cabotage Law and Land Use Policy, proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the Consumer Protection Act, the promotion of micro-enterprise development institutions, and the strengthening of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

Drilon said a review of the EPIRA is necessary because the law has failed to promote competition in the power sector and lower electricity rates charged to consumers.

“We will also prioritize bills that will foster development of the nation’s status on social protection, education and health,” he said.

Drilon said among the bills to be taken up are the 13th month pay tax exemption, implementation of a national student loan program and required picture-based health warnings on cigarette packs.

“We are determined to move fast towards the realization of our long-standing legislative commitments, and we are aware that this requires that legislative productivity be maximized,” he said.

“In my more than 15 years in this chamber, I am witness to plenty of occasions where a certain bill passes or receives greater legislative attention in one chamber, but languishes in obscurity or in deadlock within the other chamber. These must be now dutifully avoided, and both houses have pledged to do so.” 

Also present during the meeting of congressional leaders were Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, House of Representatives Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II and Deputy Majority Leader Miro Quimbo.

Meanwhile, the MILF yesterday urged Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat to back the peace process. – With Alexis Romero, Edith Regalado, John Unson