With Congress set to adjourn this Wednesday for Christmas break, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is no longer optimistic that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could still be approved during the present administration.
“Baka next administration na. Nauubusan na tayo ng oras (It might (be passed) in the next administration. We are running out of time),” Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on local governments, said at a press conference in the Senate.
READ: Chances of BBL passing dead, says Marcos
The senator said he doubts whether the House of Representatives and the Senate could still muster a quorum when Congress resumes its “short” sessions in January since many of the lawmakers might already start campaigning for the 2016 elections.
Aside from lack of quorum, Marcos said there is also a “very strong objection” from some congressmen on the version that they are deliberating.
READ: Marcos: BBL will lead us to perdition
Marcos also pointed out the issue raised by Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile that a bill of local application like the BBL should have come first from the House.
“So kahit mapunta na tayo sa botohan na, kelangang pag-aralan kung kelangang hintayin ang (version) ng House,” said the senator.
(So even if we reach the point of voting, we still need to study if we still have to wait the House’s version.)
Enrile is still interpellating the BBL on the floor as of writing. IDL