Aquino to meet with senators too on BBL, Mamasapano

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Tuesday said President Benigno Aquino III would meet with senators to discuss the infamous Mamasapano clash and the passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.

AQUINO

The statement came a day after the President met with members of the House of Representatives in a bid to save the peace process and ensure Congress’ approval of the proposed bill amid public outrage over the Mamasapano debacle.

“Siyempre po, hindi naman maipapasa ‘yung batas na iisang House of Congress lamang; dalawang Houses ito dapat (Of course, a law cannot be passed by one house of Congress only; there should be two),” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a briefing. “Kaya’t mahalagang stakeholders din po ang ating mga senador at sa aspetong ‘yan, sa pakiwari ko naman ay bukas ang Pangulo sa pakikipag-usap sa kanila kung ito ring paksang ito ang tatalakayin (That is why senators are also important stakeholders and in this aspect, I think the President is open to discussing with them the issue.)”

Lawmakers earlier told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that 20 to 30 of them, led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, met with Aquino on Monday to tackle the said issue.

Aquino reportedly explained that he got limited information from those closely monitoring the operation, specifically resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima. Purisima resigned days after it was alleged that he directed the bloody operation, which left 44 policemen dead, despite a suspension order from the Ombudsman.

The President’s meeting with the lawmakers was said to be “serious” in tone. He allowed them to hold an open forum.