Palace admits delay in passage of BBL

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star)

 

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang admitted yesterday that the timeline for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by Congress will inevitably suffer an indefinite delay due to the bloody encounter in Maguindanao between policemen and Muslim rebels.

“At this point, the peace panel and the presidential adviser on the peace process is cognizant that there is already a delay in the timetable,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters in an informal briefing.

The proposed BBL is the product of peace talks between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and will create an autonomous Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.
However, the House of Representatives has deferred its sessions on the BBL pending the result of the investigation on the Mamasapano incident.

Leaders of the House and Senate have advised the executive department that the BBL will not be shelved.

“The leadership of Congress has conveyed to us that they are not dropping the matter. They recognize that it is a very important piece of legislation and when the hearings commence, we will be ready,” Valte said.
 

Zamboanga first district Rep. Celso Lobregat expressed dismay on the suspension of congressional investigation into the Mamasapano incident, saying it would only result in more delay of the deliberation of the BBL at the House.

“It’s important to resume the House investigation immediately because instead of moving, we’re losing time and we are stuck,” he added.

The congressional committee on public order and safety, and the peace, reconciliation and unification panel were scheduled to resume hearings on the Mamasapano bloodbath last Wednesday, with a long list of invited resource persons. With Roel Pareño