Dureza: Executive action on Bangsamoro Basic Law eyed

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte might resort to an executive action if Congress fails to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said yesterday.

“He said he would go to the extent of exercising his residual powers through administrative directives to fulfill this commitment,” Dureza said, referring to the President. 

Duterte assured officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during a meeting at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on Tuesday night that the BBL would be passed before the end of the year.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said the meeting lasted for more than two hours.

MILF chairman Al Haj Murad, MILF chief negotiator Mohager Iqbal, Secretary Adelino Sitoy of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go and Dureza also attended the meeting.

Dureza said both sides agreed to hold periodic meeings while the proposed BBL is being taken up by both houses of Congress.

He said the MILF requested the meeting.

Dureza said the President reiterated his commitment to install an enhanced Bangsamoro government to address Moro rebellion and the injustice suffered by its people. – Edith Regalado, Christina Mendez