Deliberative Democracy and the Bangsamoro Parliament

Abstract

Recognizing the huge responsibility of the BTA in shaping the Bangsamoro Parliament, this paper discusses the idea of a deliberative parliamentary culture and asserts that adopting this will facilitate the fulfilment of genuine and meaningful autonomy for the BARMM. The discussion first highlights the vision of the BOL and the BTA for the Bangsamoro Parliament to be a collegial and deliberative governing body. A discussion on deliberative democracy theory follows, showing how deliberative principles should influence the preparatory process leading up to the election of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament in 2022. Finally, the notion of mutual respect, a key element of democratic deliberation, and how it will ensure the Bangsamoro Parliament remains consistent with the original intent of current Bangsamoro leaders and stays true to the self-determination aspirations of the Bangsamoro people, will be discussed.