Duterte to make pitch for BOL in Cotabato assembly

President Duterte will travel to Cotabato City on Friday to make a pitch for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Duterte’s appearance in a peace assembly at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex comes three days before the people of Mindanao vote to ratify or reject the BOL, the charter of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

If the BOL is ratified, the BARMM will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The plebiscite will be held on Jan. 21 in the ARMM, Isabela City and Cotabato City.

Another vote will be held on Feb. 6 in Lanao del Norte (except in Iligan City) and six towns in Cotabato that may want to become part of the new autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao.

The Commission on Elections earlier said it was expecting 2.8 million voters to take part in the plebiscite.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo told reporters on Thursday that Mr. Duterte would travel to Cotabato City on Friday to campaign for ratification of the BOL.

Malacañang issued Proclamation No. 646 on Thursday, declaring Jan. 21 a special nonworking day in the ARMM, Isabela City and Cotabato City to enable residents to take part in the plebiscite.