The President of the Republic of the Philippines, Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, called on members of the House of Representatives to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as soon as possible, even noting that there is no other choice but peace. The President’s statement was released during a meeting with the members of the Congress at Malacanang Palace on Monday.
According to Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, that delay in the passage of the BBL and in holding of a plebiscite would not give members of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority “sufficient time to demonstrate their capabilities.”
When the Secretary was asked by the Congressmen on what to tell their constituents who were asking if the BBL would still be a go, the secretary quoted Aquino who stated “‘Uulitin natin. Tuloy na tuloy na ito. There is not a better alternative for the rest of the country. How does banditry by ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) help anyone? It’s time to make a stand: ‘I am for peace or I am for war?’ … I don’t think there is any politician who will stand up to say I am for war.'”
Sec. Coloma also sensed an openness among House members to resume committee deliberation on the BBL which were put on hold after the Mamasapano incident which cost the lives of the 44 members of the elite PNP-SAF commandos.
The Communications Secretary noted further that President Aquino would be open to meet with Senators as well to convince them about passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
