COTABATO CITY, April 14 (PNA) — The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) tasked to draft a proposed bill that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is hoping Philippine Congress will give its long awaited nod for the creation of the new political entity for muslims in Southern Philippines.
Mohaqher Iqbal, BTC chairperson, said the commission will submit this afternoon to Malacanang the proposed bill that will legalize the establishment of the Bangsamoro government in Mindanao.
“We are looking for a smooth debate and eventual approval of the bill that will define the outcome of the government and Moro rebel peace negotiations,” Mohaqher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said.
The BTC, composed of seven representatives from the government and eight representatives from the MILF, had drafted the proposed law after a series of consultations with all sectors in the proposed Bangsamoro govenrment to be composed of ARMM provinces as core area and four towns and 39 villages outside the region.
Once the bill reaches Malacanang, President Aquino is expected to certify it as urgent bill and forward to Philippine Congress.
Iqbal said the proposed law is open to revisions by Malacanang acceptable to both parties.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the ultimate outcome of 17 years of peace negotiations by Manila and MILF.
A multi-sectoral group will hold simultaneous peace rallies in various parts of Mindanao and in Manila in support of the journey of the proposed law. (Philippine News Agency)
