Duterte ready to sign BBL next week

Malacañang said yesterday that President Duterte is just waiting for both houses of Congress to come up with one version of the much-awaited Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) so he can sign it into law next week before Congress goes into recess by the end of the month.

In a press briefing in Marawi City Thursday morning, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said it can be expected that the BBL will be passed next week without undergoing a bicameral conference committee or bicam.

“Yes [we are looking at its passage], before end of the month. Dahil ‘yan din po ang ipinangako ng liderato ng Kongreso (Because that is also what is promised by Congress leaders),” he added.

“Hindi po sila magri-recess hangga’t hindi maaprubahan ang BBL, ‘yan po ang pangako (They will not go into recess unless they have approved the BBL. That was the promise),” he added.

“Well, we’re holding them to their promise. Kasi wala naman pong dahilan para hindi na sila ma-meet ang deadline (Because there is no reason for them to miss the deadline),” he said.

Roque said he believes that all stakeholders will find the latest version of the BBL acceptable.

He said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and lumad were all consulted.

Peace Process Adviser Jesus Dureza also said last month that Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Senator Miguel Zubiri already vowed to support the BBL and act on it before congress adjourns.