SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga -- The proposed parliamentary form of the Bangsamoro is meant to prevent another very powerful leader or clan from taking the reigns of the autonomous region.

“In 2009, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had a very powerful Regional Governor in the person of Zaldy Ampatuan. The Regional Government was highly centralized wherein it had cause a lot of problems which eventually led to the declaration of Martial Law in that area,” Government Peace Negotiating Panel Legal Team member Mohammad Al-Amin Julkipli said during Friday’s Kapihan on the Bangsamoro Basic Law which was co-organized by the Philippine Information Agency and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

“In a Parliamentary form, we collectivize and in effect democratize the holding of power. Power is no longer vested in a single person or clan,” Julkipli added.

50% of the seats are allotted for party representatives, 40% for district representatives, and 10% are reserved/sectoral seats.

“Manner of election for sectoral seats will be determined by the Parliament. Reserved seats for Indigenous Peoples shall be pursuant to their customary laws and practices,” Julkipli explained.

From among the members of Parliament, a Chief Minister shall be elected who will be the head of government of the Bangsamoro.

He or she appoints a Deputy Chief Minister and members of the Cabinet that will head various line government agencies.

A Wali shall likewise be chosen by Parliament and shall have a term of six years.

“The Wali will be the titular head of the Bangsamoro and shall only take ceremonial functions. He or She shall administer the oath of office of all members of Parliament including the Chief Minister,” Julkipli said.

He or She can dissolve Parliament upon 2/3 votes of no confidence by its members to the Government or upon the advice of the Chief Minister.