Bangsamoro law considers interests of all Filipinos, says Palace exec

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MANILA — The draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) undergoes a thorough review by the Office of the President, taking into account the interests of not just the people of Mindanao and other stakeholders, but all Filipinos, Malacanang on Wednesday said.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma said the proposed law will be passed by the Philippine Congress and representatives of people from Luzon, Visayas and even other areas in Mindanao that are not directly covered by BBL.

Coloma said it is thus imperative to consider various issues that might be raised when the BBL is submitted to Congress.

“Dahil hindi lang naman iyong tuwirang usapin ng mga direct stakeholders ang tatalakayin kundi ang interes ng buong sambayanang Pilipino, which is more diverse than the present subset of direct stakeholders,” he reasoned.

The PCOO chief reiterated that the government is undertaking a comprehensive study on the draft BBL to ensure that provisions are compliant with Constitution.

“…Narinig din naman po natin ang pagtitiyak ng mga lider ng Kongreso na kapag ito ay isinumite na sa takdang panahon, aaksyunan naman kaagad ito at matutupad pa rin iyong inaasam na pagpapasa nito sa isang plebisito,” he said.

The Palace earlier said the much-awaited draft BBL would be submitted to Congress when sessions resume in July so it could finally be passed for approval by the end of the year.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said efforts have already been made to coordinate with the Senate and House leadership to ensure the proposed law is presented to Congress next month.