Palace hopeful BOL would be ratified

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is welcomed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim upon his arrival at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on his way to attend the Peace Assembly for the Ratification of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on January 18, 2019. Also in the photo are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte will respect whatever decision the public makes during the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) but is still hopeful that it will be ratified, Malacañang said on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark as residents in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Isabela City and Cotabato City are scheduled to cast their vote on whether to ratify or not the landmark BOL on January 21 and February 6.

“While the President would respect whatever decision the public makes during the plebiscite and comply with the sovereign voice of the people in Mindanao, we are hopeful that the BOL, which would pave the way for a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, would be ratified,” Panelo said in a statement.

“The President has already urged the voters to vote yes for peace and development in Mindanao,” he added.

Panelo also described the BOL as a legislation that would “correct the historical injustices committed against the Moro people.”

In his speech at the Peace Assembly for the BOL in Cotabato City on Friday (Jan. 18), Duterte said the people’s approval of the law will help end armed struggle and help bring long-lasting peace in the region.

“Your approval of this law will not only serve as an expression of your desire to end more than half a century of armed struggle in the region. It will also serve as a testament to your determination to bring genuine peace and development in Muslim Mindanao through an autonomous government that truly represents and understands the needs of the people,” Duterte said.

He also took pride in saying that the BOL, under his administration, has undergone multiple consultations with various stakeholders.

“I am proud to say that the BOL has undergone comprehensive analysis and thorough review to ensure that once implemented, it will lead to better governance, inclusive political empowerment, and enhanced systems (for) transparency and accountability,” he added.

Panelo, meanwhile, ensured that the President will remain committed to use his constitutional powers to unify the Bangsamoro people and at the same time end the strife in Mindanao.

The BOL, singed by the President on July 26 last year, seeks to establish a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

It is considered as one of Duterte’s biggest legislative achievements.