Philippine Congress is now discussing and having a careful thought regarding the charter change. As it was stated before Duterte’s Presidency, the plan to change our current government into federalism is now taken into consideration in the Congress and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation front) is starting to worry about their Bangsamoro Law. The group constantly reminds Duterte about the BBL where they can have their Bangsamoro region in Mindanao before implementing Federalism government in the Philippines.
According to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, “The implementation of the CAB or Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro), particularly its political track, which means the passage of of the stalled Bangsamoro Basic Law, must precede the shift from unitary to federal government”.
Ebrahim also added that President Duterte must first implement his pronounced commitment to pushing through the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) first as it will serve as the template for the federal government system in the Philippines. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim is now currently in Uzbekistan to attend a meeting in an organization called as OIC or Organization of Islamic Conference.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law which was originally a way to implement peace agreement in Mindanao signed last March year 2014 under Aquino’s administration, was yet to be passed and implemented. However, due to the bloody encounter in Maguindanao between MILF forces and SAF (Special Action Force) where 44 elite Police Officers killed, it created an outrage among the Filipino citizens and the passage of BBL failed. Rebel groups was disappointed and held their hopes up today in Duterte’s Administration.
According to MILF, they strongly support federalism as they believe it will strengthen their Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, however, they also emphasized that it should not replace their original Bangsamoro Law. During his Presidency campaign, Duterte proposed federalism as he believed it can solve the long aged conflict in Mindanao between MILF rebel groups and the government. But he added that Bangsamoro Law should also be revised due to some constitutional conflict and concerns.
Source: Rappler