Palace optimistic Bangsamoro bill will be passed by early 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday said it is optimistic that the Bangsamoro basic bill will be passed by Congress during the first quarter of next year.

“Hopefully, first quarter mapasa ‘yon tapos, magkakaroon ng plebiscite and then during that time after the plebiscite magkakaroon ng capacity building so that in time by 2016, maisabay na sa synchronized elections ‘yung bagong Bangsamoro Juridical Entity,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a Palace briefing.

(Hopefully, it will be passed during the first quarter, then we’ll have a plebiscite and after that there will be capacity building activities so that by 2016, we’ll be able to synchronize the elections for the new Bangsamoro Juridical Entity with that of the national government.)

Lacierda said the Bangsamoro law is among the priorities of the Aquino administration for 2015.

“There are lot of possible opportunities in the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao), so many untapped opportunities that have not been fully utilized,” he explained.

The Bangsamoro bill is a product of the final peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It will pave the way for a Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the current ARMM.

Earlier in the day, Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Senate will also prioritize the Bangsamoro bill. However, he said the committee report on the bill is expected in the first week of February. The Senate has been conducting hearings and consultations on the measure.

In addition to the Bangsamoro bill, Lacierda said the administration is also pushing for greater government spending to bolster growth.

He said the country was guilty of underspending last year.

“Our overall purpose is really to provide inclusive growth for all. So any specific measures will be lay it all out in the coming year,” he said.