President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Malacañang Prayer Gathering at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (March 09, 2015). (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno Aquino III may have to consider letting the next administration push for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress, a Catholic bishop said Friday.
Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo said it is better to make sure the proposed measure is cleansed of all constitutional infirmities.
“Klarong-klaro na maraming constitutional infirmities na implikasyon sa pagbago ng Constitution. Pangalawa, parang kapag ginawa ang BBL magiging federalism na. Parang cart before the horse. Ayusin muna natin yung klase ng gobyerno natin,” he said on Radyo Veritas.
“Huwag tayong magmadali. Hayaan na natin sa susunod na administrasyon,” he added.
The BBL was not passed before Congress adjourned its session last June 11. Congress will open July 27. On that day, President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his last State of the Nation Address.
Bagaforo, in calling for a more thorough study of the proposed BBL, noted there were not enough consultations with stakeholders.
“Lumalabas na wala talagang mabuting konsultasyon kaya hindi nagiging katanggap-tanggap sa karamihan yung BBL. Dahil wala talagang partispasyon ang mga mambabatas, ang mga kinusultang lumabas na dapat maraming ipasok dapat tingnan. So dapat pag-aralang mabuti ‘yung magiging aksiyunan na fair, just to everyone, at saka inclusive ang BBL na i-implement dito sa Mindanao,” he said.
He suggested that the government invite a committee with government lawyers, Moro Islamic Liberation Front legal persons, lawmakers, former Supreme Court justices, and deans of law schools, and the Philippine Constitution Association.(MNS)