Failure to pass BOL a 'temporary setback' — Palace
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang lamented the failure to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as the House of Representatives adjourned its session Monday morning.
The House suspended the session without signing the bill a few hours before President Rodrigo Duterte is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address.
"We consider this as a temporary setback in the administration's goal of laying the foundation for a more genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
The Senate, on the other hand, ratified the report of the bicameral conference committee on the proposed BOL on its session on Monday.
Duterte would have been able to sign the bill into law if the House lawmakers signed the proposed BOL this morning.
"We, however, remain confident that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law as soon as both houses of Congress finally ratify the bill," Roque said.
The House abruptly adjourned its session amid talks that Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez will be ousted.
Asked for comment on speculations of Alvarez' ouster, Roque said that it would defer to the House on matters internal to the chamber.
Meanwhile, allies of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal are circulating a manifesto calling for a change in leadership at the House. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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