Only 3 session days left for Congress to pass BBL

MANILA, Philippines - The two chambers of Congress have only three session days starting today to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The limited time lawmakers have in approving the measure prompted Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III yesterday to appeal to his colleagues to support it, saying, “It could be a template for future peace processes and peace building efforts by other countries.”

“Let us give peace a chance. This is the opportune time for Congress to pass this peace measure. President Aquino was right to push hard for its passage as it would uphold the rights of Moros and cultural minorities or lumads in Mindanao and help provide closure to the decades-old conflict in the south,” he said.

Albano said the BBL will be the legacy of the Aquino administration.

“Congress will forever be proud of approving a peace pact that will be used as guide by the international community in pursuing a peace process,” he said.

Albano said the House of Representatives has devoted more than a year to considering the proposed law that would create a new autonomous Bangsamoro region in Muslim Mindanao.

“All that the BBL needs is one final push. Let us not miss our chance to contribute immensely to peace and progress in Mindanao,” he added.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, principal sponsor of the controversial measure, said the House could pass it in the last three session days of Congress this week.

“We have done it before with equally contentious legislative proposals. We could do it with the BBL. We have to approve it for the sake of peace,” he said.

Rodriguez said if his colleagues could finish their interpellations today or tomorrow, the House could deal with proposed amendments and the approval of the bill on Wednesday.

The measure is still in the period of debates both in the House and the Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile has reportedly asked for at least one week to ask questions about the BBL, or the Basic Law for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), the version in the Senate. – With Christina Mendez