BOL ratification a ‘nationwide success’ – VP Robredo

Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday welcomed the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as a "nationwide success" and expressed hope that it would end decades of separatist conflict in a region plagued by poverty, banditry, and Islamist extremism.

"Ang pagraratipika ng Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) ay isang makasaysayang tagumpay na dapat ipagmalaki ng lahat ng Pilipino, lalo na ng mga kapatid nating mula sa Mindanao," Robredo said in a statement.

"Bantayan at suportahan natin ang patuloy na pagsulong ng prosesong ito, dahil hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang laban para sa kapayapaan."

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed the BOL as "ratified" given the overwhelming number of votes from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The measure seeks to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which would have an expanded land and water jurisdiction, fiscal autonomy, and an increased share in national government resources, among other matters.

The momentous success of the the plebiscite triggers a three-year transition period.     
 
"Kailangan pang siguruhin ng pamahalaan, sa pakikipagtulungan ng iba’t ibang mga sektor, na maging pundasyon ang ratipikasyong ito sa pagpapalakas ng mga institusyong magdadala ng maunlad na ekonomiya at responsableng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa bagong tatag na Bangsamoro," the vice president said.

The ratification of the BOL is the final step in the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been leading a separatist insurgency since the 1970s.

"Sa matagal na panahon, marami marahil ang nagsabing mananatiling pangarap lamang ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao," Robredo said.

"Ngayon, pagkatapos ng ilang taon ng pagsisikap at pakikipag-usap, sakripisyo at paniniwala, sa wakas, ang pangarap na ito ay abot-kamay na rin natin." — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News