PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are apprehensive about the possible consequences of the final version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that would be approved in Congress, according to the top official of the ARMM-Board of Investments (BoI). “Natatakot at nangangamba ang ating mga investors (Our investors are afraid and anxious,” ARMM-BoI Chairman Ishak V. Mastura said during the Forum on Bangsamoro Basic Law and Business held June 26 in Cotabato City, as quoted in a statement released by the regional government. Mr. Mastura said the pending BBL has created “uncertainty” over how new policies will affect the business environment. If passed into law, the BBL will form a new political and geographic entity that will replace the ARMM. Nonetheless, the ARMM-BoI is projecting higher investment numbers this year, with several projects already approved. Among these are a P1-billion integrated cacao project and a P290-million cavendish banana plantation, both in Maguindanao. The Senate and House of Representatives versions of the draft BBL are scheduled for deliberations in the bicameral committee on July 9-14. — Mindanao Bureau

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