Duterte says he has EO on Bangsamoro Law but…

TAGUM CITY – President Duterte on Friday said he was just waiting for the result of Congress’ deliberation on the proposed Bangsamoro Law.

But Duterte hinted that he had also prepared his own version.

“So, dito sa Muslim insurgency, I am really awaiting for the product of Congress, but I have my own, ‘yung Executive Order No. 10,” Duterte said in a speech before some 1,200 politicians, officials and other prominent individuals who attended Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s birthday celebration held here.

Duterte said he did not issue the EO yet in deference to Congress’ deliberations on the Bangsamoro Law.

“Ayaw ko na munang bitawan kasi out of respect sa Congress. But if you want some resource persons, anyway we start with Justice Puno, if you want to hear them, I’d be glad to transmit the message,” he said.

Duterte said what was important was for the Moro people to have their own government because things would become worst if that would not happen.

“So sinabi ko na – ito ang sasabihin ko uli without really batting an eyelash: If we cannot concede something that would require a correction of a wrong, na hindi na maaaring magawa ‘yan. We were not the ones who did it, the imperialists did it,” he said.

“But kailangan natin mabigyan sila because if not, I am afraid there will be war. ‘Yan ang dapat intindihin ng… lalo na ‘yung hindi taga-Davao. It is that dangerous,” he added.