Women’s Rights: Comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro
Implementations
Women’s Rights – 2014
The GPH-MILF Decision Points, Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, and Annex on Normalization emphasize respect for women’s rights and stipulate action by both parties to promote equal protection of women and participation of women in government and the economy. The Bangsamoro Basic Law draft provided for the rights of women in Bangsamoro with respect to political participation[1], employment, [2] and protection from violence, [3] exploitation and abuse. [4]
The BBL also calls for the direct consideration of women in the development process in Bangsamoro: “it shall guarantee full and direct participation of women in governance and in the development process and shall, further, ensure that women benefit equally in the implementation of development programs and projects […] at least five percent (5%) of the total budget appropriation of each ministry, office, and constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro shall be set aside for gender-responsive programs, in accordance with a gender and development plan.”[5]
The BBL further provides for women’s participation in the Bangsamoro government, requiring that “[a]side from the reserved seat for women in the Parliament, there shall be at least one (1) qualified woman to be appointed to the Bangsamoro Cabinet. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law that gives recognition to the important role of women in nation-building and regional development and ensures representation of women in other decision-making and policy-determining bodies of the Bangsamoro Government.”[6]
The Bangsamoro Basic Law draft provides for the creation of a Bangsamoro police force as part of the national police force.[7] The Bangsamoro Basic Law draft was first presented to President Aquino in April 2014, [8] to be submitted and approved by Congress. On August 20, the MILF submitted a final draft of the BBL to President Aquino,[9] which he submitted to Congress on September 10.[10] [11] Though Congress immediately began reviewing the BBL, the bill failed to pass in 2014.
[1] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article IX, Section 1.
[2] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article IX, Section 10.
[3] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article IX, Section 1.
[4] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article IX, Section 10.
[5] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article XIII, Section 6.
[6] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article IX, Section 11.
[7] Bangsamoro Basic Law: House Bill No. 4994. Article XI.
[8] “Philippines to fast-track review of draft Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Xinhua General News Service, April 15, 2014.
[9] “Final Bangsamoro Basic Law submitted to Philippine President,” Xinhua General News Service, August 21, 2014.
[10] “Philippine president submits law on Muslim south to Congress,” Anadolu Agency, September 10, 2014.
[11] “Philippine report gives details of draft autonomy bill submitted by president,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, September 11, 2014.
Women’s Rights – 2015
Discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law initially stalled after clashes with the MILF and government police forces on January 25.[1] In 2015, Congress deliberated changes to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) but failed to pass the law in 2015.
[1] “Philippines suspends autonomy discussions after rebels kill policemen,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, January 26, 2015.
Women’s Rights – 2016
Congress adjourned in early February, 2016 without approving the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).[1] The BBL was not passed in 2016.
[1] “Philippine leader to talk shelved Bangsamoro law at ASEAN,” Anadolu Agency, February 15, 2016.
Women’s Rights – 2017
In 2017, the BBL was not passed by Congress.
Women’s Rights – 2018
The BBL was signed into law by President Duterte on July 26, 2018. [1] The law included processions that set quotas for women in the Bangsamoro Parliament and Cabinet.[2] The treaty also obligated the Bangsamoro government to protect women’s rights including employment, and freedom from expropriation, abuse, and violence.[3]
[1] “President signs Bangsamoro Organic Law,” Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Country Reports, July 30, 2018.
[2] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 11.
[3] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 12.
Women’s Rights – 2019
A plebiscite ratified the Bangsamoro Basic Law on January 21, 2019.[1] The law included provisions that set quotas for women in the Bangsamoro Parliament and Cabinet.[2] The treaty also obligated the Bangsamoro Government to protect women’s rights, including employment and freedom from expropriation, abuse, and violence.[3]
[1] “Fifth public report,” Third Party Monitoring Team, March 11, 2019.
[2] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 11.
[3] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 12.
Women’s Rights – 2020
A plebiscite ratified the Bangsamoro Basic Law on January 21, 2019.[1] The law included provisions that set quotas for women in the Bangsamoro Parliament and Cabinet.[2] The law also obligated the Bangsamoro Government to protect women’s rights, including employment and freedom from expropriation, abuse, and violence.[3]
[1] “Fifth public report,” Third Party Monitoring Team, March 11, 2019.
[2] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 11.
[3] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 12.
Women’s Rights – 2021
A plebiscite ratified the Bangsamoro Basic Law on January 21, 2019.[1] The law included provisions that set quotas for women in the Bangsamoro Parliament and Cabinet.[2] The law also obligated the Bangsamoro government to protect women’s rights, including employment, and freedom from expropriation, abuse, and violence.[3] Further, the agreement calls for setting aside at least 5% of the official development funds to address women’s needs. However, this information is not available.
[1] “Fifth public report,” Third Party Monitoring Team, March 11, 2019.
[2] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 11.
[3] “Republic Act No. 11054,” Article IX, Section 12.