No ‘pork,’ ‘pabaon’ for BBL supporters — Palace

Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. Screenshot of PCCO EDP press briefing video.

MANILA — Lawmakers will not be given additional funds if they support the passage of the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), according to Malacanang on Friday.

Malacanang said that there will be no need to revive the abolished Priority Development Assistance Fund.

“Baka sabihin gagamit kami ng PDAF. Wala na hong PDAF,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing.

(They might say that we will be using PDAF. There will be no PDAF.)

Asked if there will be “pabaon” or any other kind of extra funds for the lawmakers, Valte responded and said:

“Hindi po uso sa Aquino administration iyon.” (Its not a trend in this administration.)

The BBL aims to create a Bangsamoro region that will replace the  current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Valte added that the president is still open too appeals and consultations with lawmakers regarding the BBL.

“Bukas po tayo doon sa mga pag-amyenda, ang hinihingi lang po natin ay ma-preserve naman yung spirit ng ating gustong mangyari,” Valte said.

(We are open to amendments. What we are asking for is to preserve the spirit of what we really want to do.)