Palace hopeful for Bangsamoro law passage, Papal visit, 2015 Apec

By: Marc Jayson Cayabyab - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang is hopeful for 2015, especially in light of the major events taking place next year, such as the visit of Pope Francis and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit as well as the expected passage of the Bangsamoro basic bill.

In an interview over state-run dzRB radio on Saturday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the executive department is hoping Congress would pass the Bangsamoro bill in 2015.

Malacañang Palace. FACEBOOK PHOTO

The bill seeks to implement the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that would pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro entity replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Valte said Malacañang is hoping there would be no delay in passing the law next year, even as politicians would likely be preparing for the upcoming 2016 elections.

“Umaasa (na) sana naman po wala rin pong ma-delay. Of course, being a separate and co-equal branch of government, we will continue to work with them on the priority pieces of legislation that both sides would want to see coming to fruition for 2015,” Valte said.

Valte also assured that the executive is all prepared for the January papal visit in Manila and Leyte, as well as the November Apec summit to be attended by 20 other members and some 4,000 delegates.

Pope Francis is expected to visit the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda,” the world’s strongest typhoon to hit land. Meanwhile, President Aquino is expected to highlight the administration’s program of inclusive economic growth.

“Full blast na ang pagho-host natin—hopefully mabigyan rin po ito ng karampatang atensyon ng ating mga kasamahan,” Valte said.

Malacañang made the statement after a Social Weather Stations survey was released saying that nine of 10 Filipinos or 93 percent of the 1,800 adults surveyed said they are entering New Year with hope than fear.