Palace reiterates Duterte’s readiness to certify as urgent proposed BBL

May 24, 2018

Malacanang reiterated on Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte is ready to certify as urgent the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

In a press briefing in Marawi City, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace hopes the Senate and the House of Representatives would have similar versions of the bill so that its approval would be quick.

He said it could be possible for the President to sign the proposed measure before end of May if there would be no more problem on the bill.

“Certainly. Certainly (Duterte can sign it). Since that's the promise of Congress,” Roque said.

He expressed belief that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and even the indigenous people are fully supportive of the new version of BBL.

"I know the MILF supports this version. And this time, this is a BBL that is all-inclusive since lumads were also consulted. They were members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission unlike before when it seemed like they were forgotten," he said.

Congress has been asking Duterte to certify the proposed BBL as urgent so that it could fast-track the bill's approval. Ella Dionisio/DMS