Continue BBL discussions, De Lima appeals to both houses of Congress

Justice Sec. Leila De Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Do not waste time, continue discussions on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Wednesday as she appealed to both houses of Congress not to stall discussions on the draft BBL.

Several lawmakers have withdrawn support from the BBL following the Mamasapano incident where 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos, 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and five civilians including a child were killed.

“I agree with those saying that discussions about BBL should be separate from the Mamasapano incident,” De Lima told reporters.

“The hearings at both Houses of Congress are now suspended because they (lawmakers) are going to wait for the result of the investigation. That will be a waste of time,” she said.

The Justice chief said discussions on the BBL and the investigations on the Mamasapano should be parallel.

“Can’t they resume the hearing even while the investigation is ongoing? Because it seems that they are imposing a condition [that we should finish first the investigation]. I hope they separate that and focus on the draft BBL,” De Lima said.

“Will the draft BBL pass the Constitutional limitations? I think that is where they [lawmakers] should focus,” she added.

The Department of Justice has a special team investigating the Mamasapano clash. The team is separate from the Board of Inquiry.

De Lima earlier said the focus of the special team’s investigation is the criminal aspect.