Aquino asks Congress to pass Bangsamoro law before year ends

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday said that despite its stalled status, he hopes the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be approved by Congress before the year ends.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, head of the government negotiating panel, exchange copies of the peace agreement between the MILF and the Aquino administration they signed in Malacañang on March 27, 2014. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Kasalukuyan na nating pinapanday ang Bangsamoro (Basic Law)…Humihingi po tayo ng pag-unawa sa ating kongreso hinggil dito,” Aquino told a hall full of lawmakers during his fifth State of the Nation Address.

(We are currently improving the Bangsamoro Basic Law…We hope Congress understands the situation.)

The President said they are pushing for a proposed measure that is “just and acceptable to all.”

He said the passage of the law this year would mean enough time for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to prepare for the plebiscite which will coincide with the 2016 elections.

Malacañang on Sunday said it will push through with the filing of the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as Congress opens for its second regular session.

The BBL, which should serve as the basis of the Bangsamoro autonomous entity, has been stalled at the Office of the President amid alleged issues pertaining to its constitutionality and adherence to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was signed in March.

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