Koko says BOL ‘good’ to attain peace in Mindanao, reminds public to choose effective leaders

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III believes that the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will really help in addressing conflicts in Mindanao region.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV's Ikaw Na Ba? series of senatorial interviews on Monday, Pimentel, however, pointed out that Bangsamoro people should select effective leaders so that the aim of BOL will be achieved.

"Sa theory magandang batas po ito na sana nga mabawas-bawasan ang kaguluhan at matapos na ang rebelyon sa Mindanao. Pero siyempre may practice 'yan. Number one dapat ang binoboto din nila ay tamang leader kasi pwedeng maganda 'yung batas mo pero 'yung leader na binoboto mo eh hindi naman pala magaling," Pimentel said.

"'Yung point ko, ang mga mambabatas we can only do so much... hanggang paggawa ng framework, ng batas, nagawa na po 'yan... naplebisito naapprove. Ngayon, pasa na sa taong-bayan. Ang pagpili ng leader, kayo na. Responsibility niyo na po iyon," he added.

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

The measure seeks to replace the ARMM 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 central government will appoint a Bangsamoro Transition Authority, which will govern until elections in 2022 for an 80-seat legislature, which will choose a chief minister.

On February 6, the second round of BOL plebiscite will take place in North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News