Bong Revilla: It’s my duty to discuss, vote on BBL in Senate

Senator Bong Revilla attends hi pre-trial hearing for plunder. Nestor Corrales/INQUIRER.net

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday said he would ask the Sandiganbayan to allow him to participate in the Bangsamoro basic law (BBL) deliberations and cast his vote on the proposed law in the Senate.

Revilla, after his pre-trial for plunder at the Sandiganbayan, said his camp would ask the anti-graft court to allow him to participate in the proposed legislation.

READ: Marcos: Senate to be more thorough, won’t railroad passage of BBL

“I am hopeful that the First Division will allow me to fulfill my mandate. Not only is it my constitutional right, but more importantly, my constitutional duty,” the senator said.

“To not participate in its crafting is a dereliction of our mandated duty that we swore to fulfill,” he added.

He said his indictment on plunder charges in connection with the multibillion pork barrel scam did not remove him from office, adding that his suspension order has already been lifted.

He said the most important thing is for him to attend the “actual voting” And be able to cast his vote.

“It is just right that the voice of the 20 million Filipinos who voted for me be heard on this landmark legislation,” he said.

During the 2010 national elections, Revilla garnered the most number of votes with almost 20 million. He topped the Senatorial race in Mindanao.

“The people of Mindanao and the entire country made me their representative. Their voices need to be heard,” he said.

According to him, the BBL is a “very significant and important piece of legislation,” which would determine the future of the country and the Philippines.

“We are looking into the realization of peace that has long eluded us,” he said.

“That is why the matter should be carefully studied so that genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao and in the country is finally attained,” he added. IDL