We welcome the Supreme Court’s rejection of bids to stop the conduct of the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the Muslim Mindanao regions as scheduled this coming Jan. 21 and Feb. 6.
Quickly following the announcement, lawmakers from opposing camps lauded the high court’s disposition as it finally paves the way for the BOL’s likely ratification. They echoed in unison the sentiments of my fellow Mindanaoans.
Unfortunately, certain quarters like the Philippine Constitution Association just cannot appreciate that political exercise means the world to most Mindanaoans, both Muslims and Christians.
The Supreme Court’s wise justices apparently know better than to allow the elusive chance for peace and prosperity for the Promised Land to slip away again.
The BOL aims to establish a more meaningful regional autonomy, and shall replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao administration.
If approved by the majority of electorate and implemented eventually, the BOL shall be the key to a lasting peace and progress not only for the Muslim areas but for the entire Mindanao.
What the previous administration had failed to accomplish would finally be realized with a more realistic and relevant enabling law.
In fact, the success of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao shall bode well for federalism movement throughout the nation.
It follows that the BARMM may be a precursor for the country’s shift to the federal system of government, where the country’s regional governments would have a similar autonomy to more effectively deliver services to their respective constituents.
The Supreme Court’s green light for the BOL plebiscite is a go-signal toward genuine change.