Senators urge colleagues not to rush decision on BBL
MANILA, Philippines—While they back an investigation into the bloody encounter in Maguindanao, two senators on Wednesday cautioned their colleagues in the Senate “not to rush into any decisions” on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“Inevitably it will be affected somewhat but I urge our colleagues not to rush into any decisions yet. Just until we know what happened,” Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said in a text message to reporters when asked if the encounter that killed 44 policemen and eight more rebels could affect the passage of the BBL.
At least two senators—Alan Peter Cayetano and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito—have decided to withdraw their support for the BBL.
“Mas maraming buhay ang nakataya at malalagay sa alanganin kapag nabasag ang kapayapaan na umiiral ngayon sa pagitan ng gobyerno at MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). Subalit, sa kabilang banda, dapat ay may managot sa mga buhay ng ating kapulisan na kinitil habang gumaganap sa kanilang tungkulin. Hindi ito dapat matulad sa nangyari sa marines natin noon na hanggang ngayon ay tila wala pang napapanagot,” Escudero added.
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, who signed the proposed BBL, said he would not withdraw his support for the measure.
“I’m not withdrawing. As I said, we have to continue the process. Hindi ibig sabihin na ipagpapatuloy yung proseso ng BBL, we will sweep this under the rug,” Aquino told reporters.
“I just think that it’s a gut reaction that we let go of the peace process right after this tragedy had happened. Magandang pag-usapan muna kung anong nangyari, imbestigahan, charge who needs to be charged (and) get to the bottom of things…” he added.
Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Grace Poe, and Teofisto Guingona III have filed separate resolutions seeking to investigate the Maguindanao carnage.
Poe said the Senate committee on public order, which she chairs, will start its investigation on the issue on February 6.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, in an interview Tuesday, said that despite the incident, the hearings on the BBL can still proceed “independently and simultaneously.”
“However, should later on we would find out that some elements are involved that are detrimental or prejudicial to the continuance of the peace talks, then that’s the time we make a move. Let us not waste time; particularity the legislative window of the Senate is closing. We can proceed with caution interdependently and simultaneously,” Trillanes said.
RELATED STORIES
Militant solons: Aquino should take responsibility
Palace on Mamasapano controversy: Just wait for President’s speech
