Duterte to join pro-BOL assembly in Cotabato City days before plebiscite

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will fly to Cotabato City to join a “peace assembly” on Friday in support of the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

According to a Malacañang advisory released Tuesday, the mass action will be held just three days before the scheduled plebiscite for BOL in Bajau Hall, Cotabato City.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also confirmed this to reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang.

The BOL plebiscite is set to take place on January 21 for voters within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City in Basilan and Cotabato City. Meanwhile, those residing in Lanao del Norte, except Iligan City, and six North Cotabato municipalities will vote on February 6.

Once ratified, BOL will pave the way for the replacement of ARMM with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

On Monday, Panelo said Duterte is a “powerful influence” on the ratification of the BOL.

“The voice of the President is always a powerful influence on whatever matter he gives his voice into,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Panelo, however, said the President will let the people decide on the ratification of the BOL.

“Ultimately, it will be the people’s call, whether they want it or not. What is important and certain is that the President will abide by whatever the will of the sovereign people in that part of this country is,” he said. /kga