EDITORIAL. Selling the Proposed BBL

How many millions of pesos were spent on convincing people to support the passage of the original draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is anybody’s guess.

Rallies here and there have been held all over the major population centers in the Moro territories. Sometimes the same activities are being carried out repetitively under different names: Forum, rally, orientation, etc. But the purpose is the same – to tell people what the BBL is all about and why its passage must be supported.

What makes these exercises utterly futile if not funny is that the persuasive speakers are talking to people who are already convinced that the BBL must be passed. Majority of the people residing in the Bangsamoro territories whether Muslims, Christians or otherwise had long believed that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the basis of the originally drafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), is the key that will open the door to a lasting peace in Mindanao.

Of course, the organizers of these endeavors must be praised for their efforts. If nobody cares, nothing happens. However, the Bangsamoro people need not be persuaded anymore.

The BBL is languishing agonizingly in Congress. Hence, it must be in Congress where efforts for its passage must be held. If not in Congress, then all efforts must be made in places where people are opposed to the bill. It is the perception of many discerning individuals that most of those who oppose the bill do not even know what it is all about.

It must now be considered that forums, rallies and other mass actions in support of the BBL must be held in areas outside of the Bangsamoro territories. There is a misimpression among the uninformed that the BBL would discriminate against Christians. This must be removed from the minds of the people. Hence, it is necessary that people outside Bangsamoro territories will know the truth about BBL.

A lobby group composed of Christians, Muslims and other social and ethnic groups inhabiting the Bangsamoro territories today must reach out to the other provinces, cities and municipalities throughout the country in order to make the BBL understood. It is only by being understood that an idea would gain acceptance and support.

When the other peoples of the country understand and accept the BBL, they would be the ones to ask their Congressmen and Senators to support the measure.

It is believed to be the most effective way. Futile exercises must end.