Palace holds ceremonial signing of Bangsamoro Organic Law

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday led the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in Malacañang.

Among those who attended the event were lawmakers and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose peace document with the government became the blueprint for the new law.

The signing of BOL or Republic Act 11054 should have been the highlight of Duterte's third State of the Nation Address on July 23, but the power play between then-Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo prevented the ratification of the reconciled version of the measure.

The House of Representatives ratified the reconciled version of the bill the next day. Duterte signed it into law on July 26.

The BOL aims to end decades of conflict in Mindanao by creating a political entity that would enjoy greater autonomy than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In his speech, Duterte thanked the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, Moro National Liberation Front and MILF for their "unwavering commitment, determination, and perseverance" in pursuing the passage of the BOL.

"May this serve as the final trajectory for the attainment of genuine peace, stability, [and] good governance in Muslim Mindanao," the President said.

Duterte also asked the Bangsamoro people, indigenous communities and Christian settlers living within the new region, "to actively participate in constructive discussions about the law in your homes, in your villages, and communities."

"But more importantly, I encourage you to take part in the upcoming plebiscite so that you may express your sovereign will through the ballot," he said.

"Let us work together as we continue the healing and reconciliation process. Let us give this law a chance to address the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for genuine autonomy, while preserving our bond as a single nation and affirming the sovereignty of the indivisible Republic of the Philippines."

The Palace on Sunday thanked all those who “worked hard to enable the passage of this landmark law.”

“At the same time, we recognize that more work still lies ahead, and we thank all those who remain patient and committed to this arduous task,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“We look forward to working with our countrymen in Mindanao in bringing the much-needed development to the island.”

Roque said last week that Duterte is open to amending the law in response to concerns of groups who are not satisfied with its current form.

The Palace, however, insisted that the passage of the BOL was not rushed, saying “substantial consultations” were made prior to its enactment.

“Nothing is perfect and of course the BOL as signed into law is a result of compromise. So all that the President was saying was, if you have specific complaints, we are open to discuss these complaints with the view of possibly amending further the law,” Roque said. — BM/RSJ, GMA News