Senator Bam Aquino is convinced that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will hurdle the Senate by March, saying this would help quell violence and terrorism in Mindanao and give the Bangsamoro people a chance to have a peaceful and abundant life.
“Uunahin na natin ang pagpasa sa BBL. We need this law in order to address urgent and pressing issues in the Bangsamoro region. A number of senators have agreed to pass this by March, even ahead of any Cha-cha,” Sen. Bam said, adding that the Senate could pass the BBL ahead of the House.
“Nagkakasundo rin ang mga lider sa Mindanao na ang pagsasabatas ng BBL ay isang solusyon para maibsan ang karahasan at pag-aaway sa Bangsamoro areas,” added Sen. Bam, one of the six senators who visited war-torn Marawi City recently to hold a consultation and dialogue for the BBL.
Aside from Sen. Bam, Senators Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, Migz Zubiri, Sonny Angara and Risa Hontiveros joined the consultation. They also visited ground zero, the main part of the city that was destroyed by firefights and bombings.
Sen. Bam pointed out that the Senate, from the majority to the minority, agrees that the BBL is needed to help stop violence and boost development in the region through autonomy.
“Huwag nating ipantapat ang karahasan sa terorismo. Kapayapaan at kasaganaan ang ating ipantatapat dito sa pamamagitan ng BBL,” said Sen. Bam, referring to the Marawi siege orchestrated by members of the Maute group in May of last year.
Sen. Bam has filed Senate Bill No. 1661 that pushes for the passage of the BBL. Before drafting the said measure, Sen. Bam has consulted several stakeholders, including the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BBL), to conform to the present needs in the region. (Senate-PR)
