MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 18, 2012) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Tuesday signed an executive order creating the Transition Commission that will draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said Executive Order No. 120 affirms Aquino’s resolve to move forward the peace process for the Bangsamoro as a strategic initiative for political stability and economic development.
She said the order also provides a mechanism for authentic democratic collaboration in the crafting of the proposed law where the affected people themselves are actively involved.
Under the executive order, Aquino is to appoint 15 members that would make up the Transition Commission. Manila and the MILF would also come up with a list of candidates from among the Bangsamoro and other residents in the prospective core area of the new political entity that shall replace the five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The Transition Commission, which shall have an initial P100 million at its disposal, may also put up an office and coordinate with other government agencies and Congress to get its work done. It may recommend to Congress and the people, when necessary, proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Chief government peace negotiator Miriam Ferrer said their aim is to install the Bangsamoro through a new organic act as soon as possible in order to have an elected Bangsamoro government by 2016.
“This does not prevent the Transition Commission or its members from examining the constitution and recommending constitutional reforms. However, the President has made clear that constitutional change is not his priority during his term,” she said.
She said the Transition Commission shall also assist in identifying development programs together with the Bangsamoro Development Authority and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute, the two institutions affiliated with the MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group fighting for self-determination.
“Government is committed to the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas and to fast track socio-economic development in the region. This will be accomplished by empowering the Bangsamoro themselves through their participation in transforming their own communities,” Ferrer said.
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