Government peace adviser pushing for BBL passage

MANILA, Philippines - Despite persistent delays on the deliberations in Congress over the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and other peace advocates continue to push for the passage of the measure.

“[We are] not giving up on the BBL. We are asking all stakeholders to stand firm on the peace process. The panels have been continuously meeting on different issues for the immediate passage of this law. The fight for peace continues,” OPAPP chief Teresita Deles said.

Jasmine Nario-Galace, national coordinator of the Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325), called on legislators to attend the plenary sessions and resume discussions on the BBL.

“This is a task that the lawmakers should fulfill. The BBL is not a simple legislation but a compilation of the Bangsamoro dreams and aspirations for self-determination. Passing this law is a duty of Congress,” said Galace, executive director of the Miriam College Center for Peace Education.

WE ACT 1325, All-Out Peace, PILIPINA and Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated (PMPI) launched last October a signature campaign in Congress to get the commitment of lawmakers to pass the BBL during the Aquino administration.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and other congressmen and senators supporting the BBL have remained hopeful that the legislators would attend the plenary debates on the BBL, Galace said.

Galace also appealed to the people to play their part in the peace process by pushing their representatives to continue the plenary discussions on the BBL and put the Bangsamoro peace process on their agenda before their term ends.