Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez on the Bangsamoro Basic Law

                

                Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez, the chairman of the ad hoc committee on the BBL, denied eliciting further disputes on the Mamasapano incident with his statement, “Take it or leave it.” for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), regarding the implementation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

                “If they (MILF) will not accept it, it is their right, but we will proceed with the law.-The law that we believe is right for the Bangsamoro.” Rodriguez stated.

                Rodriguez disclosed his determination and final decision to have the law passed despite the refusal of the MILF to accept the changes to be made upon implementing the BBL.

                According to his statement, avoiding change through the implementation of the BBL would be impossible because the government would have to monitor the stability of the country and in order to make sure that there is order, changes needed to be done.

                Rodriguez also said that MILF should understand that provisions are further reviewed by the government in order to assure that they are in lined with the Philippine Constitution.

                According to Rodriguez, the government will make no hesitations in fighting the BIFF if they will continue to fight them.

                Rodriguez further stated that the Mamasapano Incident had affected the BBL hearing and approval because of the Filipino’s demand for justice for those who have been involved in the encounter.

                “There should be peace but with justice.” Rodriguez acknowledged, assuring that the victims of the Mamasapano Incident would be given justice through the decision of filing cases against the BIFF and MILF based on the findings of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima wherein about 90% of the BIFF and the MILF are responsible for the murder of the Special Action Force (SAF 44).

                Rodriguez explained that the implementation of the BBL will offer the Bangsamoro more political new rights. According to his statement, the Bangsamoro will be givne 58 new powers upon the implementation of the law.

                He also said that the implementation of the BBL will give the Bangsamoro the opportunity to chart their economic, political and social involvement in the society.

                Rodriguez also stated that the Bangsamoro will not only be given powers in the society but will also be granted the sufficient amount of funds they need. Based on his statement, an estimated amount of forty billion pesos will be given to the Bangsamoro.

                Through the financial assistance given by the government, the Bangsamoro will have the sufficient funds to provide for education programs, health care services, social services and infrastructure programs that will help improve the Bangsamoro economically.

                According to Rodriguez, the approval of the BBL is a concrete solution to the issue about the Mamasapano incident. He stated that the law will prevent forty three years of war of internal war in Mindanao.

                Rodriguez also agrees that President Benigno Simen “Noynoy” Aquino III has been an effective leader in dealing with the Mamsapano Incident. Rodriguez believes that Aquino’s decisions are for peace and the development of the Bangsamoro.