Duterte to Sign BBL on 3rd SONA

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to sign the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on July 23 in time for his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said.

Fariñas told House reporters Monday night about the Chief Executive’s plan, following a meeting between congressional leaders and the President to discuss the contentious provisions of the proposed BBL.

“The bicam (bicameral) conference committee report shall be submitted for ratification by the HOR (House of Representatives) and the Senate in their plenary sessions in the morning of Monday, July 23, 2018, with the President signing it into law in time for his State of the Nation Address at 4 p.m. of that same day,” Fariñas said.

Fariñas also revealed that President Duterte has already granted their request to certify the BBL as urgent to expedite its passage before Congress adjourns sine die (with no appointed date of resumption).

“The President did not impose anything on Congress, but granted our request to certify the BBL bill as urgent in order for the HOR and the Senate to pass their respective bills on 2nd and 3rd readings before we adjourn on Wednesday,” he said.

The House leader said Congress would be holding the bicam meetings, together with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and the executive department, during the congressional break to resolve conflicting provisions in both versions. (PNA)