House panel sets new deadline for BBL passage

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives committee hearing the Bangsamoro basic bill has set its new target for the passage of the proposed measure that was delayed due to the involvement of its main benefactor in the Mamasapano incident.

In an interview with DZIQ Thursday, Bangsamoro ad hoc committee chairman Cagayan De Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez said the panel would pass the bill that would create a more politically autonomous Bangsamoro territory by March.

This means the House won’t be able to meet its original plan of passing the bill on third and final reading before its Holy Week break on March 21.

The new date for plenary approval is on or before June 11, or before Congress goes on sine die adjournment, Rodriguez said.

“We can probably finish in the committee (by March), but (we can discuss it) on plenary when we resume May 4 to June 11 na,” Rodriguez said.

“Our new target date on or before June 11,” he added.

Fears abound that the bill would be derailed as some lawmakers questioned the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a partner in peace due to their alleged involvement in the January 25 clash that left 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members and 18 MILF fighters dead.

Rodriguez earlier said the MILF should regain Congress’ support by surrendering their members involved in the clash and returning the firearms seized from the slain SAF commandos. So far, the MILF has complied with the latter, while remaining noncommittal in surrendering the culprits to authorities.

Rodriguez brushed off the demands from the MILF to retain the original draft of the bill that would implement the peace deal with government.

He said the committee has already weeded out the unconstitutional provisions of the bill.

“It is impossible, it cannot be done,” Rodriguez said when asked if the bill can be approved as it is.

“We have already deleted some provisions against the Constitution. We have an oath to uphold the Constitution. That is their call if they’re not going to accept it,” Rodriguez added.

MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal has said that the group will reject the BBL if it is watered down by Congress. He remains confident however that Congress will not dilute its version of the bill.