‘BBL passage still within government’s deadline’

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is not at all worried that Congress may not be able to achieve its self-imposed deadline in passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) this year.

Presidential Communications Operations Office chief Herminio Coloma said the passage of the BBL is still within the timeframe of the Aquino administration.

“Based on our timetable, the real target date is in May 2016, where the elections of officials for the Bangsamoro Political Entity would be held under the peace agreement and the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Coloma said.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the delay was due to the scheduled public hearings and consultations set by the committee in Mindanao and in other parts of the country that will continue until the third week of this month.

What is important, according to Coloma, is that the House of Representatives is doing what it is supposed to do under its mandate, like conducting hearings and consultations on the ground to get the people’s sentiments.

“We noted the urgent need for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and we are confident that Congress is doing its job,” Coloma said.

Coloma stressed the need for ample time for the Bangsamoro Transitional Assembly to show its capability under the new political region before the plebiscite.

Coloma said there is still time since the Aquino administration has a year and a half before the next administration takes over in June 2016.

“The May 2016 elections will also highlight the gains of the peace process in Mindanao,” Coloma said, referring to the elections where the Bangsamoro people will also be choosing their own leaders under the peace agreement.