By Franklin P. Gumapon
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Today’s public hearing on the
proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the city has gathered both the
supporters and “foes” of the said bill in one roof – all agreeing to support
peace, but disagreeing with the means to achieving it.
Public hearing on sensitive issues like the BBL would often
become emotionally charged especially when the speakers started to perorate
their personal sentiments and sad experiences. However, the consultation has
allowed all groups – pro or anti-BBL – to present their stand on the issue.
Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Senate committee on local
government chair, was astute in presiding over the gathering, allowing a free
intercourse of ideas and opinions on the BBL.
Congressman Celso Lobregat of the city’s first congressional
district emphasized that he is for peace but he is not in favor of including
Zamboanga City in the Bangsamoro government.
Second district Representative Lilia Nuño, on the other
hand, said, “we want the BBL to passed within the framework of the
Constitution.”
Moreover, Basilan Governor Jum Akbar has expressed her
strong support to the passage of the BBL saying, “we want a lasting peace, we
are pro-BBL, we are pro-peace.”
When one of the speakers lambasted Senator Alan Peter
Cayetano, accusing him of being anti-BBL, Senator Marcos retorted that Senator
Cayetano was just raising legitimate issues surrounding the BBL. “Ninanais
namin na pagagandahin ang BBL (we want to improve on the BBL) and the draft BBL
is a legislation that is not yet final. That is why we are conducting this
public hearing,” Marcos explained.
The BBL public hearing, which was jointly sponsored by the
Senate committees on local government and peace, unification and
reconciliation, was attended by local officials, Christian and Muslim religious
leaders, youth, media and other stakeholders.