By Azer Parrocha/PNA
MANILA — Malacañang has declared Jan. 21, 2019 (Monday), a special non-working day in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City, and Cotabato City for the plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by authority of the President, signed Proclamation No. 646 on Jan. 10, 2019 but it was released to media on Jan. 17 (Thursday).
Medialdea signed the proclamation to allow the residents an opportunity to participate in the plebiscite and exercise their right to vote.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed anew that President Rodrigo R. Duterte will be attending a big rally on Jan. 18 in Cotabato City to appeal to the people to vote for the ratification of the BOL.
“It will push through as scheduled. The President will go there tomorrow and make a pitch for the ratification,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
“You must remember that the President (is) in favor of the BOL so it’s just logical for someone who is in favor of a particular idea to make a pitch for it,” he added.
Earlier, Panelo described the President’s voice as a “powerful influence” for the ratification of the measure which seeks to establish a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace ARMM.
However, he said that ultimately, it is the people’s call to decide whether they will vote for the ratification of the BOL or not.
Duterte signed the BOL, or Republic Act 11054, on July 26, 2018 seeking to grant wider self-rule to predominantly Muslim provinces and cities in southern Philippines.
