COTABATO CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman lauded Friday the bicameral approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Wednesday night.
The consolidated version of the bill still awaits President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, which is expected before he delivers his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23. The President has earlier certified the BBL proposal as urgent.
The BBL is a measure proposing for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that would replace the old ARMM set up.
“Despite the difficult obstacles we have had to overcome together in the hopes of not only reforming but rebirthing an institution that represents our people, we are now closer than ever to have a regional government that is reflective of our times and is responsive to the most urgent needs of the Bangsamoro,” the governor said in a statement.
He said that more than being a law set on paper, “this new organic law is now a piece of our history — one that speaks of our struggle as we assert our rights as a people.”
Hataman said that to fully realize the peace and development for the Bangsamoro, the law must be upheld always in favor of those oppressed and marginalized.
“Let us not cease being vigilant. Let us continue the good work that we have started, and make sure that this law will exist not just as mere words on paper, but as a covenant of peace held close to the hearts of our people,” he said.
Hataman has vowed to step down from his post once the new Bangsamoro regional government takes into effect. (Noel Punzalan/PNA)
