The use of  the word “Bangsamoro” in the proposed law for the autonomous region or sub-state in southern Philippines should be the starting point in the discussion and review of the bill now pending in Congress. It is the central conundrum that has bugged the nation for months and makes the legislation so problematic and controversial.

Compared to this, President Aquino’s anxiety to see the bill passed in time for his state of the nation address at the opening of the next regular session of Congrss on Monday, July 27, this year is inconsequential. And so is his intent to make the BBL his principal legacy at the close of his presidency on June 30, 2016.