Now that BOL is signed, 'the more difficult part begins,' says Zubiri

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Friday said stakeholders should now prepare for the  difficult work ahead with the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

"We thank President [Rodrigo] Duterte for signing the BOL as he promised," Zubiri said in a statement. "He closely followed our work. Now, the more difficult part begins."

Duterte on Thursday said he has signed the BOL,  which seeks to bring peace and development in Mindanao, less than a week after it was ratified by Congress.

Zubiri said the Bangsamoro stakeholders, including legislators, should see to it that the preparatory measures for the implementation of the law are completed.

"We need a plebiscite to implement the law. Majority should approve of this, otherwise the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) areas shall continue to be administered under the ARMM law,” he said.

Zubiri said from experience, they had all learned that the old ARMM law has become deficient as a framework for peace and economic growth for the region.

"The old set up of the ARMM did not promote the peace and development that it had promised to do by lacking the political reform measures that are sorely needed to achieve those gains," he said.

Zubiri these issues are addressed in the new law.

"Thankfully, the Bangsamoro Organic Law has many of these measures in place. From transparency and accountability, to political party system of governance to fiscal autonomy and strengthened self-governance. The BOL will be able to achieve what ARMM failed to do. Which is to equally serve every filipino living in the Bangsamoro area,” he said.

Zubiri vowed to follow through with the provisions for the plebiscite, its funding and Commission on Election's preparations for the BOL, even as it prepares for next year's midterm elections.

“I'm sure the President will see to it that all government agencies concerned will be up to their respective tasks and that budget, personnel and other resources needed will be sufficient,” he said.

He said there is no budget yet for the plebiscite but they will work for it.

“We have to discuss pa with DBM (Department of Budget and Management) the course of action to take but definitely we will fund the BOL plebiscite,” he said.

The senator said the President's signing also meant the national government is finally serious about achieving peace & order in Mindanao.

He said police, defense, and security matters really have to be ironed out between government forces, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front and other armed rebels. —KBK, GMA News