BBL proves federalism is not needed — Drilon

Sen. Franklin Drilon INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday said the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is proof that shifting into a federal form of government is not needed to empower the regions.

Drilon argued that the BBL would “give extensive power” to the Bangsamoro region, which proved revision of the whole Constitution is no longer needed to do the same throughout the country.

He said this as the bicameral conference committee on the BBL continues to polish the measure, while the current administration maintains its stand for federalism.

READ: Bicam meet: Question stalls BBL approval

“Iyan po [BBL] ay pruweba na kayang gawin sa kasalukuyang administrasyon at sa kasalukuyang Saligang Batas ang [i-dedevelop] daw po sa federal system,” he told dzMM.

(The BBL is proof that the current administration and Constitution can do what is targeted to be developed in the federal system.)

“Ito po ay nagagawa namin na nabibigyan ng sapat na kapangyarihan o talagang malawak na kapangyarihan ang Bangsamoro. Hindi po kailangan ang federal system,” he added.

(We were able to give enough power or indeed extensive power to the Bangsamoro. The federal system is not needed.)

Drilon also reiterated his concern that the planned Charter Change could be meant to postpone the 2019 Elections.

“Hindi kailangang palitan ang Saligang Batas, para tuloy ang halalan (Changing the Constitution is not necessary, so that the elections will proceed),” he said. /jpv

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