Duterte okays certification of BBL as ‘urgent’

President Rodrigo Duterte. AP

President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to certify as urgent the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during the third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting on Wednesday, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said among the topics discussed were the amendments to government procurement reform, updates on the Common Legislative Agenda, and the proposed creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

He said the meeting started at about 7 p.m. and ended at around 10 p.m.

“Among a number of items discussed, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Finance Secretary presented updates on the status of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (Train), respectively,” Abella said in a statement.

Aside from the BBL, the President reiterated the immediate passing of the Train, which he has certified as urgent.

Cabinet secretaries present were Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Political Adviser Francis Tolentino, Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Adelino Sitoy, Secretary Leoncio “Jun” Evasco, Economic Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and  National Youth Commission Chair Aiza Seguerrra.

Lawmakers present were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Senators Ralph Recto, Vicente Sotto III, Franklin Drilon, Cynthia Villar, Loren Legarda, and Representative Rodolfo Fariñas and House Minoly Leader Danilo Suarez. /cbb