BANGKOK: Philippines activists are voicing concern over the recent establishment of a transition committee tasked with drafting the country's new Basic Law. They tell Bikyanews.com that there is a growing fear that numerous groups in the country could be left out of the writing process. “We have to ensure that all groups in the areas are represented and we are doing that,” a government official told Bikyanews.com, reacting to concerns among activists and observers. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has named the members of the 15-man Transition Commission which will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Aquino appointed Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal as head of the commission, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a news briefing. Seven members of the commission were nominated by the Philippine government's peace panel while eight came from the MILF. “The appointment of these individuals who represent vital Bangsamoro constituencies and have proven their commitment to pursuing amity and goodwill in Muslim Mindanao is a key step on the roadmap to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Political Entity,” said Lacierda. Their appointment to the commission was pursuant to an executive order signed by Aquino in December last year. The commission was formed after the MILF and the Philippine government signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in October 2012. The FAB provided for the drafting of the Basic Bangsamoro Law. BN
