Duterte: 'I might resign if BBL not passed in May'

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has promised to step down if Congress fails to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) next month. 

Duterte said the passage of BBL should be prioritized as he admitted that he was getting tired of trying to solve the longstanding conflict in Mindanao.

“Nangangako ako na before May, lulusot ‘yan... before the end of May, lulusot na ‘yan. Pag hindi, baka mag-resign ako pagka-presidente. Inyo na lang ‘yan, hindi ko talaga kaya (I assure you, before the end of May, it will be passed. If not, I might just resign from the presidency. It’s all yours. I can’t do it anymore),” he said in Maguindanao last Wednesday. 

“It’s useless. If you give me this kind of administration until the end of my term, frankly, I would rather resign. Napapagod na ako (I am getting tired trying) to solve the problem,” he added. 

The proposed measure seeks to create a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy. Duterte has warned lawmakers that failure to enact the measure would worsen the problem in Mindanao and provide terrorists an opportunity to recruit more members. 

Duterte has expressed readiness to resign to show his strong stance on key issues.

He had also promised to quit if he fails to solve the drug menace within the first six months of his term, but later abandoned this mindset after admitting that he underestimated the problem. 

The President said the BBL is not about monopolizing the Moro lands but giving voice to Moros and addressing their concerns. 

“It’s like the Liberal Party or the national party. It will just provide voice to the Moros so they can be heard and we can fix things,” Duterte said. 

“Give me time, this year. I will complete it. We will prioritize BBL,” he added.

Duterte also promised to declare Mindanao a land reform area and provide livelihood to the Moros. 

“I will declare the whole of Mindanao a land reform area. I will give you everything including the land owned by the government. You can use it to plant rubber and palm oil,” the President said. 

“Look for the lands owned by the government and the military camps if we achieve peace. It will be yours,” he added. 

Duterte witnessed the turnover in Buluan, Maguindanao last Wednesday of about 900 unlicensed firearms that were earlier surrendered as part of the government’s efforts to curb armed threats in Mindanao. 

The event coincided with the launching of the Balik Baril program, which encourages citizens to surrender unlicensed firearms in exchange for livelihood.

The President promised to provide assistance to rebels who would surrender to the government and urged residents of Maguindanao to stop any attempt by terrorists to penetrate their area. 

“I said I will proclaim the entire Mindanao, almost, as a land reform area. I can provide the tractors but do not sell them. I will give the lands away. I can provide the seedlings as support,” the President said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano