With regards to the purpose, which is to establish a fair and just solution to end the Muslim rebellion, I have no argument. However, upon much deeper reflection, it would seem that it may be more of a false flag rather than a real solution.
And it is not because I am anti-Muslim or against the aspirations of the Moro people either.
Rather, it seems that the whole approach to the matter cannot but lead to endless bickering and issues rather than a final settlement for the good of all.
The ARMM agreed with the MNLF simply gave rise to the MILF. And did it even do the Moros any good?
The previous attempt at BBL with the MILF simply gave rise to the BIFF. Should we expect anything to change?
Foremost is that despite all the negotiations and discussions that have taken place, just like the previous agreements, would the current BBL really address the root causes of the problems or rather simply install and or formalize a new oligarchy?
The country generally faces the same problems albeit to different degrees. Is it simply the goal of the BBL to impose an Islamic State without addressing the root causes of these long-standing, common problems?
Is the BBL meant to simply isolate the Bangsamoro from the rest of the country while carrying on with the same rotten system that has plagued everyone, albeit the Moros worse than most?
How will that solve anything?
Rather, it stands to reason that if the BBL were not to be simply a tool to gain political power for certain parties but rather a tool to truly uplift the Moro people by really fixing what is rotten, then why should it not be applied to the rest of the country as well?
In adversarial negotiations, it is very hard to come out with an equally fair document. The stronger side will always dominate the weaker side regardless of any concessions that may be given. And the motives of either side will always be suspect.
The true test of a REAL, FAIR and PROPER "BBL" is actually if both sides would agree to implement the same agreement nationwide.
If the BBL is indeed "a better way" than would the rest of the country not be on the LOSING END if we also did not implement it for ourselves?
Indeed, is not the fact that the government has been forced to negotiate a BBL the best proof that the system is not working as it should in the whole country?
Does it make sense to just fix the system in Mindanao because it is the worst victim of the current set-up while maintaining the very same system that brought has brought grief to everyone as well?
HELLO?
And just like how Federalism is being cannibalized and watered down almost beyond recognition by the very people who are supposed to figure it out simply because they will also be the ones to lose the most, is it really logical for the Moro leaders to expect that Congress will really pass a BBL MORE FAVORABLE to the Bangsamoro?
Rather, would not the fairest, most realistic and logical approach be to figure out a solution that would be applicable to ALL instead of just to the Bangsamoro?
At least walang lamangan, di ba?
The only TRUE, VIABLE SOLUTION is to implement a proper FEDERAL-PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT which unfortunately only a REVGOV would seem capable to delivering.
All the President's efforts to do it through other means do not seem to be going anywhere and are simply giving more time and opportunity for the enemies of change to regain lost ground. If it does not come NOW or anytime soon, it may come NEVER. Let's make noise.