BBL proof Congress can reach a ‘rare’ agreement

FILE: Senator Bam Aquino (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The need to prioritize the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is a rare time that the Senate and House of Representatives (HOR) actually agree on something, a senator said Friday, urging the passage of a law that establishes a new Bangsamoro political identity in its place.

Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, in an interview, said the passage of the BBL is a “commonality” that the Senate, House, and even the Executive Department had.

“In this case, mayroong tayong (we have) commonality, mayroon tayong puwedeng pagkasunduan (We have something we can agree on). I know that this is a priority also of Congress and even the Executive, nabanggit na rin ito ni (this was also mentioned by) President (Rodrigo) Duterte,” Aquino said.

“This is one of those times, medyo (it’s a bit) rare na rin ito ngayon (now), so let’s take the opportunity na puwede tayong magkasundo at talagang buuin natin ang (where we can come into agreement and craft the) BBL,” he added.

Aquino, who has filed his own version of the BBL, described the proposed law as “something that we can all be proud of” and believed that it is a long-term solution to achieving peace in Mindanao.

He reiterated full support for the BBL and rallied for its “urgent” passage.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, chair of the Senate subcommittee on the BBL, earlier said that the BBL is expected to be passed on third and final reading before the Senate adjourns its session in March.

“I think the timetable ni Sen. Zubiri na March, we’re hoping we can get this passed as soon as possible. Unahin na natin ito (Let’s prioritize this). Urgent na po at pressing iyong mga issues na kailangang mai-address ng BBL (The issues the BBL wants to address are urgent and pressing),” Aquino said.

Zubiri earlier assured that the BBL will be a “priority.”

The first hearing on the BBL was held last December 20 while the Senate was already on Christmas break. Other hearings have also been held in Cotabato City and Marawi City. (PNA)