1. It is important that in a transition process, the approach is evolutionary and historicity is applied in every aspect of the transition and that there is a continuous trajectory of incremental realization of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro.

a. Being evolutionary and incremental, the transition process should start from the signing of a peace agreement, to the passage of an implementing law, then to the full implementation of the law. This process usually takes place over a long period of time.

b. It must be recognized that gaps would always exist between the agreement and the legislation, and between the legislation and implementation. Hence, the importance of an evolutionary and incremental approach and a continuous trajectory in the transition process.

2. Aside from political will and provision of funds in a transition, it is also important that there is interfacing all government structures from national to regional and to local. Interfacing means all structures are supporting each other so as to avoid fragmentation.

3. Essentially, there are two layers of the transition process which are not necessarily divorced or separated from each other:

a. One that takes place immediately after the conclusion of the peace negotiations where key mechanisms or bodies are established such as the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT). After the agreement was signed, negotiations continued regarding the Annexes which were not signed all together at once.

b. The other layer of transition is the movement from the current autonomous set-up (the ARMM) to the new one under the proposed BBL (the Bangsamoro). The key mechanism in this layer is the Bangsamoro Transition Authority which will not be constituted unless there is a BBL. The focus in this layer of transition is the establishment of the autonomous region as a major component of the peace process.

c. These two are interconnected as the first is a major part of the transition process from negotiations to implementation.

d. In terms of timeline, the BTC will cease to exist after ratification of the BBL or upon coming into being of the Bangsamoro. The TPMT will monitor and evaluate the implementation of all agreements and review and assess the progress of implementation. The TPMT together with the third party facilitator and the panel members will decide if it already time to sign the exit document signaling the end of the peace process. The BTA, on the other hand, will end upon the qualification of the Chief Minister under the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament.

4. In crafting a new law granting autonomy, the ARMM should be the take off point. Specifically, gaps in the programs, activities and projects (PAPs) in ARMM should be taken into consideration in light of improving service delivery in the region and the amount of block grant that will be given.

5. There is no fixed formula for political transitions. Context is the most important in designing transitions. Context includes appreciating the roots of the conflict, …..

6. The heart of any political transition is addressing the “unacceptable status quo” or establishing a new Social Contract.