Beware! The Bangsamoro Basic Law

 

THE series of hearings and deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will start this week at the Senate. Here are some issues that will likely be considered as contentious but crucial and vital to the consideration of the measure, never mind that the Mamasapano massacre has not had its closure.

Foremost is the question of constitutionality. Most legal experts have determined that there are very basic provisions in the proposed bill that violate the Philippine constitution.

Second, even assuming the constitutional issues are cured, there is the question of relevance and role of the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao provided for in the constitution.

Thirdly, should the Moro Islamic Liberation Front be recognized as the sole political power to lead the establishment of the BBL?

Fourthly, should the Shariah law be applied in criminal cases filed by Muslims contra non-Muslims or vice-versa?

We do not see how these issues can be resolved at all in two months, the deadline set by President Aquino. We only pray that our congressmen and senators realize that rushing such a controversial bill without fully settling the above issues will forever jeopardize the future of the next generations of Filipinos.

 

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Congress crawling with running dogs?

 

IN Tagalog, President Aquino recently told police graduates during their commencement rites in Cavite: “Why did the Board of Inquiry and the Senate not ask me questions about the Mamasapano incident before releasing their reports? It is impossible to come up with a credible result of a crucial document that is mainly based on speculation.”

Clear as day.

Taking the cue, our nationalist lawmakers in Congress fired 20 questions to Mr. Aquino for clarification on his role in the Mamasapano tragedy.  Surprisingly, the Chief Executive fell silent.  Gruesomely worst, the majority in Congress torpedoed a motion to send the 20 questions to the Palace.  Wasn’t that act, despicably unacceptable, reserved purely for lackeys?  And, yes, what’s wrong with sending the 20 questions to Mr. Aquino?

If he answers them, fine.  If he does not, fine, too.

Truly, running dogs inhabit Congress? Voters in 2016, beware.

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