Manila: President Benigno Aquino III has called on “citizen leaders” to study the proposed Bangsamoro basic law.

The invitation came on the heels of a survey which revealed the passage of the measure is being opposed by most Filipinos.

During the national peace summit held in Manila, Aquino stressed on the importance of Bangsamoro basic law (BBL).

“The BBL is one of the most important proposed bills of our administration. It answers the two most pressing problems of our countrymen: poverty and violence. This bill is the product of 17 years of extensive study and negotiations,” Aquino said during the event that ended late Friday.

In a March 1-7 survey conducted by independent poll firm, Pulse Asia Research on ‘Awareness of the Bangsamoro basic law’ it was gleaned that only 44 per cent of Filipinos support the passage of the proposed law which is aimed a providing enhanced autonomy Muslim majority areas in Southern Philippines’ Mindanao.

The same poll also stated that: “Disagreement with the passage of the BBL is more pronounced in Mindanao (62 per cent) than in the rest of Luzon and the Visayas (32 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively).”

The poll was taken more than a month after the disastrous January 25, 2015 Mamasapano Incident in Maguindanao that left more than 70 people dead, 44 of whom are members of an elite police anti-terrorist unit, the Special Action Force.

During the National Peace Summit in Manila, which was also held to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Aquino tried to revive public support to the BBL.

“Even then, there are those who oppose its enactment. Unfortunately, their criticism solely stems from a lack of understanding of the BBL … If we believe these people, where will they take us?,” he said.

Congress is expected to decide on the passage of the BBL sometime in July. The BBL has received much support from Aquino who is eyeing the measure as a legacy he will leave behind when he steps down from office in June 2016 at the end of his six years term.

Weighing in

In an apparent move to resurrect people’s interest and positive respone to the BBL, Aquino invited Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to weigh in on the issue and join a council of leaders which will study the BBL.

The passage of the BBL has been largely regarded a turnkey measure to peace in Mindanao between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The “citizen leaders” was proposed by Aquino to include former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, junior, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Howard Dee, and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman. The will stand as independent conveners that will objectively evaluate the BBL.

According to Aquino, these officials will gather other respected leaders to spearhead a national peace summit to deliberate and discuss the proposed BBL.

“This way, the BBL can be improved. They will write a report that will be made public, so that everyone may be informed, and so that more of our countrymen may understand the matter. In this manner, we will be able to advance a reasonable decision as regards the BBL,” he said.