Duterte confident proposed BBL to pass Congress

February 28, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence on Wednesday that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will pass Congress.

Duterte made the statement during his attendance in the inauguration of the Bahay Pag-asa Phase 2 in Marawi City.

"That BBL, we will look into it. It will be passed," he said.

The proposed BBL is pending in the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is one of Duterte's priority measures, including the shift of government to federal form.

Duterte belied reports he wants the passage of BBL and constitutional amendment to become a dictator.

"They said, 'Duterte only wants the approval of federal (government) and also BBL because he wants to be a dictator'...I'm already old. I don't have such ambition," he said.

Duterte reiterated his readiness to step down from office even earlier than 2022 once a new form of government is in place.

"If there's federal (government) and a new president (who) will call for an election, I will step down by 2020. I won't wait anymore for 2022," Duterte said. Celerina Monte/DMS