DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte Sunday called on the House of Representatives to fast-track the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that seeks to establish a Bangsamoro Government to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
During a press conference prior to his departure for an official visit to Japan on Sunday night, President Duterte said he continues to be committed to the cause of the Moro people in creating a new government that will better embody their ideals.
“We continue to talk and I hope that Congress would expedite its approval,” the president said. “I have committed to the main rebellion fronts, the MI[ILF] pati MN[LF], that we will work for a federal setup and maybe grant them the territories that they want and the kind of framework of governance that they expect with a reformation of all the things in the Philippines.”
Duterte earlier said he will “father” the said draft law to make sure it will come into fruition during his term; this he reiterated again during the said press conference, with a warning that trouble might brew if the BBL will yet again be rejected.
“If we do not act on it expeditiously, I think that we are headed for a trouble,” the Chief Executive said. “We must continue to talk and I will urge Congress to fast-track it because they are getting impatient. And I told them of the wages of how to negotiate peace. Sabi ko, ‘Sandali lang but we will comply on our side what we have promised.’”
He added, “That is a commitment eh. Not even a promise but a commitment to the Moro people.”
Malacañang previously expressed its hope to see the draft law approved by the end of the year 2017. (PNA/PCOO)
