Alvarez remains positive BBL would be approved before Congress adjourns June 1

Photo from Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez remained positive that they would reach their target to approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on third and final reading before session adjourns sine die on June 1.

Alvarez mentioned this to reporters after House leaders met with members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to tackle BBL issues on Tuesday morning.

Photo from Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas

He said the BTC asked for three days to consult their group on the proposed amendments on the legislation.

“May mga proposal yung GRP, at yung BTC asked us for 3 days para makapag-usap din sila. Tingin ko naman mukhang magkakaayos na,” Alvarez told reporters.

Photo from Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas

However, Alvarez and Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas refused to disclose further details about the meeting.

“Next week na lang kasi may request sila na between us muna,” Alvarez said.

Fariñas said they will hold a second caucus after the BTC updates them on Monday.

On Monday, Alvarez said he plans to request President Rodrigo Duterte to certify BBL as an urgent measure to fast-track the approval of the bill.

Duterte has appealed to Congress to pass BBL by May 30, as he stressed the crucial role of the proposed law in maintaining peace in Mindanao amid threats posed by radical Islamic groups.  /vvp

READ: House to ask Duterte to certify BBL as urgent