Congress has to fast-track its approval of a viable Bangsamoro Basic Law that would clear the way for President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision for the long-elusive peace in Mindanao and spur rapid economic development particularly in the island’s poorest provinces | Manila Standard

By Maricel Cruz, Manila Standard
 

Congress has to fast-track its approval of a viable Bangsamoro Basic Law that would clear the way for President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision for the long-elusive peace in Mindanao and spur rapid economic development particularly in the island’s poorest provinces.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte suggested  to his fellow lawmakers to hold marathon sessions on the BBL bill when the Congress resumes session on May 15.

If necessary, he said,  both chambers of Congress should hold sessions on the BBL bill even on Thursdays and Fridays.

 “We need to speed up the approval of the BBL but this does not mean that we should do it in a haphazard manner, which is why we need to work overtime so we can go over its provisions and ensure that the law becomes an effective tool in bringing genuine autonomy to our Muslim brothers,” said Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House committee on local government.

 “We can hold sessions even on Thursdays and Fridays until late at night to speed up the bill’s approval.”

Villafuerte said the final version of the BBL should ensure that the autonomous region arising from it would be financially stable enough to undertake economic activities designed to lift its people out of poverty.

 “A vibrant economy is essential to achieve lasting peace and Mindanao. Building peace also requires building prosperity that will benefit people in the island’s conflict-afflicted communities,” he said.

 Villafuerte issued the call after President Duterte recently asked the Congress to prioritize the approval of the BBL.