Comelec: Plebiscite for BOL set on Jan 21, Feb 6

MANILA, Philippines — The plebiscite for the The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be scheduled on two separate days  in 2019 “to allow time for full resolution of petitions,” the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Friday.

In a statement, Comelec said plebiscite for areas comprising ARMM, Cotabato City, and Isabela City in Basilan is scheduled on the original date on January 21, 2019.

Meanwhile, plebiscite for Lanao del Norte except Iligan City, the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit and Pigkayawan in North Cotabato, and all other areas adjacent to any of the Bagsamoro “core areas” will be held on February 6, 2019.

According to Comelec, the Bangsamoro core areas must be a local government of such area, by way of a resolution asked for inclusion in the plebiscite; or at least 10 percent of the registered voters in the local government unit, by way of petition, asked for inclusion in the plebiscite.

Last November 6, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said it would take into consideration the first 62 petitions for voluntary inclusion in the plebiscite.
Currently, Comelec said there are 99 pending Petition for Inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The plebiscite was needed for the ratification of the BOL, which would create BARMM, replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Last July 27, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the BOL or Republic Act No. 11054, which allows self-rule and autonomy for the Muslim south. /kga