Marcos vows to continue working on own version of BBL

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday gave assurance that he would not abandon the proposed Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), his version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), now that he has formalized his bid for the vice presidency.

In a statement, Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said he would not let his campaign get in the way of his work in the Senate, particularly in pushing for the approval of the BBL.

Responding to concerns that he would abandon the BBL now that he is officially a candidate for vice president, Marcos said that debates on the measure would continue once deliberations on the proposed P3.002-trillion national budget are concluded.

“We will go back to it immediately, maybe November or before Christmas, as soon as the budget is finished. I will not forget the BLBAR. I will do anything humanely possible to finish this because I know a lot of our Muslim and Christian brothers in Mindanao are waiting for this measure,” Marcos said.

The Senate has started its committee hearings on the 2016 national budget and is expected to hold plenary debates when sessions resume this November.

Senate President Franklin Drilon has vowed to work on the approval of both the national budget and the BBL before the year ends. He urged his colleagues running for office in the 2016 elections to continue their work in the Senate until the last day and not be distracted by the campaign.

Marcos admitted that it would be difficult to approve the BBL because of time constraints and tenuous attendance in the Senate.

“But practically speaking, I will not make a categorical promise that we will be able to complete the process. Let’s hope against hope,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, PILIPINA national coordinator Elizabeth Yang said it is Congress’ obligation to pass the BBL at the soonest time.– With Jose Rodel Clapano