Commenting without reading

• Jan 23, 2018
• Editorial Desk
• HITS: 1409

There are many people, including lawyers and academicians, and even lawmakers, who said the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is unconstitutional or contains provisions that are against the 1987 Constitution --- without reading it first.

What a misfortune that there are individuals like these! For the non-literate, it can be understandable. But it is hard to imagine for those who are lettered.

Logical thinking tells us that everybody should read the BBL before making comments. However, every day we see people on various media outlets who jump straight to the comment section and start sounding off, without even bothering to read the proposed law.

How can we tell they didn't read it?

These commenters stick out like a sore thumb. They are the ones that ask questions that were clearly answered in the BBL.  For instance, the provision on policing is virtually a copycat from those already provided for in Republic Act No. 9054 or the law governing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BBL clearly and unambiguously states that the Bangsamoro Police is part of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Perhaps, the only major difference is in the name or description. In the BBL the police is called Bangsamoro, in the ARMM it is described as Regional Security Force.  

But what are in the names? Where is the problem? How about Makati Police, Manila Police, Davao Police, Ilocos Norte Police?

These commenters go off on tangents based mainly on preconceive biases, prejudices, fears for the Moros in Mindanao. We can cite two politicians, husband and wife, from Zamboanga Peninsula during the 16th Congress when asked about the BBL. The wife was the one who spoke and she said: “No matter how good the BBL is I do not like it.”

Since these commenters don't have a clear understanding of the subject, greatly reinforced by their biases, hatred, prejudices (against Moros) it is not uncommon that they become hostile right away. Even without thinking or acting as spoilers, but aren’t they? Where is the difference?

We appreciate very much the suggestion of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza to these commenters to read the new version first before they announce those statements.

He also said the Palace-endorsed version of BBL already addressed the issues on the controversial provisions of the measure.

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