Palace declares holiday in areas holding 2nd BOL plebiscite

President Rodrigo Duterte with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. RICHARD MADELO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has declared Feb. 6 a non-working holiday in Lanao Del Norte (except Iligan City) and in seven North Cotabato municipalities for the second day of the plebiscite of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Upon Duterte’s order, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation No. 656 on Jan. 21, to formalize the holiday in the areas. 

The seven municipalities under North Cotabato that will participate in the plebiscite are Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, Pigkawayan, and Talunan.

In his proclamation, the President ordered the declaration of a non-working holiday to give people in these areas “the opportunity to actively and fully participate in the plebiscite and exercise their right to vote.”

Once ratified, the BOL will pave the way for the replacement of the ARMM, which the President has said would bring lasting peace in war-torn Mindanao. /jpv

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