Drilon doubts BBL would improve governance in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — While confident of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law’s (BBL) strength to stand the test of constitutionality, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he is doubtful of its effectiveness in actually improving governance in Mindanao.

Drilon, who is part of the Senate contingent in the bicameral conference committee (became) working on a final version of the BBL, said he expects the filing of petition with the Supreme Court questioning the creation of a parliamentary form of government in the Bangsamoro region.

He said legislators are generally of the opinion that this is allowed under the 1987 Constitution.

In general, Drilon said the BBL – in its current form that evolved after four days of marathon meetings by the bicameral conference committee – would not only be constitutional, but acceptable as well to all stakeholders and affected provinces.

He pointed out that there are 60 specific powers granted to the Bangsamoro region, which he said would make it even more powerful than the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Bangsamoro region would also receive an annual block grant amounting to P60 billion to P70 billion, representing five percent of the national taxes collected by the government.

Drilon said this would be on top of the internal revenue allotment that the region would also receive. “So as a whole, they would get significant powers and resources,” Drilon said.

However, Drilon aired his disappointment with the decision of the bicam to remove the anti-dynasty provision in the BBL, which was patterned after the new law covering the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Drilon said the provision was rejected by his colleagues and as a compromise, it was suggested that the anti-political dynasty coverage be limited to the Bangsamoro parliament.

This was also rejected by the House contingent and so “out of disgust” Drilon said he agreed to just do away with the anti-dynasty provision.

According to Drilon, there was a study by the Ateneo School of Government showing a direct correlation between poverty and political dynasties.

He noted that four of the five poorest provinces in the country are located within the ARMM where political dynasties are very prominent.

“I have my doubts whether poverty can be addressed because we failed to include an anti-dynasty provision. I’m not very optimistic that BBL can effectively address issues of good governance,” Drilon said.

“I believe that until we succeed in banning political dynasty, ARMM’s economy will not improve,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is the head of the Senate contingent in the bicam, explained that the anti-dynasty provision was removed because of concerns that this could violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

It was argued that the anti-dynasty provision cannot be limited to specific areas under the Bangsamoro region.

Zubiri said he expects the bicam to complete its work on a final version on Tuesday.

The report of the bicam would then be ratified in plenary by the Senate and the House once they resume sessions on July 23.

Zubiri said they would “break protocol” in the opening of sessions, which coincides with the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte. Instead of adjourning immediately, they would present the BBL report for ratification.

This would then allow the President to include this in his SONA in fulfillment of his promise to have a BBL this year to pave the way for lasting peace in Mindanao.