House to push for BBL, Palace-backed charter change

July 24, 2017

The House of Representatives will prioritize the passage of the Palace-backed charter change and the Bangsamoro Basic law during the second regular session of the 17th Congress, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Monday. But revising the Charter to pave the way for a federal form of government would take time, he added. "If we can pass it before the end of the year, the better.  But pushing for federalism will take a little time," Alvarez said at a news conference. Alvarez, in his speech opening the second regular session of the 17th Congress Monday morning, saud the House leadership has to pass these two legislative measures which are   the keys to lasting peace and prosperity. "First,  the Bangsamoro Basic Law draft has been submitted to the President and will soon be on its way into our chambers. This will be the basis for creating a homeland for our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters. "Second,  we have to exert additional effort in paving the way for the shift from a unitary to a federal form of government. This will address the structural defects that have hampered our national strategy in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and progress," Alvarez said. Alvarez added:  "Evidently, we have our plates full for the rest of the second session. I am certain we can accomplish the tasks ahead of us." Alvarez said his proposal for a 25-man constitutional commission tasked to draft amendments to the 1987 Constitution is pending at Malacañang. "If my proposal remains unacted by Malacañang by the yearend, I will ask the Senate whenever possible to convene Congress into a constituent assembly and designate the committee that will work on the draft," Alvarez said. By pushing for the passage of Charter change and BBL, among other key legislation, Alvarez, "I simply want to be remembered as the Speaker of the people who listened to – and acted upon - the often unheard cries and complaints of the marginalized and voiceless members of our society. Together, let us empower the disempowered." DMS