By
Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA
CITY – As the amended version of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL) has already passed in the House ad committee early this week with an
overwhelming 50-17 votes in favor, varied opinions on the bill continue to
surface especially among the youth.
Several
are anxious for its passage, and some are not really enthused, while some feel
that more information about the bill is needed to make a personal stand.
College
students from the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and the Zamboanga
City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) share their insights as follows:
“Yes, BBL is
important because this is a way or process for having peace and understanding
for people. BBL is the hope for all. This is justice for all. This is one way
of having peace for both Muslims and Christians.” - Shiejie
Manuel
“What I know from
BBL is that it separates Muslims from Christian. It cannot be that way. We need a united country. We cannot
just agree on this without a wise and a good realization what this is for and
what the good benefits are. So I think, we need more time to decide.” - Marvin Lunggakit
“Actually, BBL is
positive but the thing is Mindanao will be a Moro Islamic state. There is a possibility for conflict. But on the other hand, BBL means peace for all. This may bring in an understanding and hopebetween every individual either Muslims or Christian.” - Alter Rosales
“I am not saying that I am an anti-BBL
but I don’t think that the idea of passing it is good since turning it into law
means cutting a big slice on our annual national budget. In a scale of 1-10, I
rate the House Bill 5. I believe peace is attainable but not through this.” - Mercilyn Sadjari
“Having less idea on BBL just gives me a reason not to favor it. I am
naïve on the issue since the media and the government only give limited information about it. It shouldn’t be
realized since the peace and order situation in the region must be addressed first. I understand the dream of peace that is why they
filed this bill but I think this would only root more hunger for power.” - Ruiz Delos Santos
“I really don’t have an idea on BBL. But for me, passing the bill would only open
the minds of other groups or tribes to seek autonomy.” - Nicole Solis
“I am not in favor in the passing of
BBL because the people who would handle areas to be included in the BBL is not
yet revealed. However, this might be the answer to long lasting peace. ” – Haireen
As of this time, the BBL’s future seems promising. However,
certain legislators are still deliberating on its constitutionality. For one,
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is calling for several amendments on the bill
“or face litigation by the Supreme Court.”
Meanwhile,
Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recently emphasized the need for legislators to
speak directly with Mindanaoans to have a better grasp of their opinions about
the bill since it is they themselves who will be most affected if the BBL is
passed. Lawmakers will have more informed decisions this way, Senator Marcos
said. (with reports from Rylle Darryll Estrella and Shiela May
Aquino)
