Prelate to Mindanaoans: Be informed on Bangsamoro Basic Law

MANILA, Philippines - After the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro last week, an official of the Catholic Church on Tuesday urged  the people of Mindanao to be informed about the upcoming plebiscite after Congress comes up with the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla said it would take awhile before legislators pass the measure on the Bangsamoro.

The prelate also noted that there are still some quarters that are against the CAB signing between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"The basic law has to go the constitutional process, it is in accordance with the Constitution. I know that the final say (is with the)  SC (Supreme Court), hindi sa Congress, it has to be within the Constitution.

"On the ground there are news that there are some areas that are against this agreement, we have to wait. The people need to be (observant) to be aware, (what are the)  next steps that would be done para malaman ng tao. Mahalaga ang plebiscite (because the issue concerns)  both Christians and Moslems,"  Capalla told Church-run Radyo Veritas.

On March 27, the government peace panel and the MILF leaders signed the CAB, a definite document geared toward achieving peace in Mindanao.