The BTA Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) and SUBATRA Programme have conducted a Round-Table Discussion on Legislative Research, Law Drafting, and Bangsamoro Analytical cases on Economic Development, Gender Legislation, Peace and Conflict, Non-Traditional Security, and Moral Governance last March 14-16, 2022, at Dusit Thani Hotel, Davao City.

The RTD presented and discussed policy papers from consultants specializing in various fields to aid in crafting legislation for the Bangsamoro Region. According to Christoph Wagner, who delivered the opening speech, the gathering was a good communication and starting point among various sectors: the academics, legislatures, and civil society organizations who have met to discuss relevant and critical issues [in the BARMM]. Furthermore, the RTD has primed the Members of Parliament, BTA personnel, and Civil society organizations on basic constitutional and legal requirements, concepts, methodologies, materials, and techniques to craft responsive and research-based policy research and legislation.

The participants have exchanged ideas during the RTD, highlighting the parliament’s performance, people’s participation, gender-based legislations, BARMM’s economic development, Mandanas ruling, peace and conflict, and non-traditional security among others. Along with that, the participants have expressed their support to the PRLS as they promote the importance of research-based policies and legislations, citing that “Research is the heart of legislations.” The activity ended with the expression of continuous collaborations among the Members of Parliament, BTA personnel, the civil society organizations, and the PRLS.

“Research is the heart of legislations.”