In the Know: BBL approval delayed in Congress

The approval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been delayed with Congress, which adjourned sine die last month, missing a June 11 deadline.

The draft BBL, originally set for approval in March, is supposed to implement the peace agreement that the Aquino administration signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last year. It will serve as the charter of the so-called Bangsamoro region that would expand the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Lawmakers have expressed doubts on the effectiveness of the proposed BBL, especially after the Jan. 25 clash between police commandos and Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, which left 44 elite policemen, 17 MILF rebels and three civilians dead.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has said that the bill will be approved in September.

Belmonte also confirmed that the House leadership had agreed to scrap the opt-in provision that would allow areas contiguous to the Bangsamoro territory to be part of the new Bangsamoro area, through a majority vote in plebiscites on the fifth and 10th year of the law’s passage.

“This has caused the most objections, uncertainty and comment, not only from the interpellators but also from the people,” Belmonte said.

The Senate has yet to come up with a committee report on the proposed BBL. Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chair of the Senate local government committee tackling the measure, is scheduled to submit his substitute bill when Congress returns on July 27.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said last month that the Malacañang-backed version of the bill would be amended to remove the unconstitutional provisions, including the opt-in provision.

According to Drilon, the Senate would prioritize deliberations on the substitute bill when Congress resumes session next month and passes the measure after 15 session days.–Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives