President Aquino Meets with Lawmakers, Calls for Passage of Draft Bangsamoro Law

President Benigno S. Aquino III, during his meeting with members of the House of Representatives in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, appealed for the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., who was present during the meeting, said President Aquino called on lawmakers to “seize the historic opportunity” of enacting the BBL and laying the foundations for long-term peace.

The proposed BBL, once enacted into law, will pave the way for the establishment of a new Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“He (President Aquino) said passing the BBL now has become more imperative in view of the increased threats posed by global terrorism and radicalization,” Coloma said in a statement.

The Palace official said the President urged the members of Congress to rise to the challenge of being able to “change the narrative”, referring to the cycle of violence and poverty that has stalled peace and progress in Mindanao.

President Aquino said the proposed BBL offers the prospects for significant and meaningful change, especially in terms of giving all stakeholders an opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

The President also cited the gains achieved by the ARMM in attracting new investments, amounting to Php 9.8 billion from 2011 to 2014, Coloma said.

“The President said that in his talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy, as well as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, he was asked about how the Philippine government has succeeded in achieving an agreement with the Bangsamoro and he pointed out that the BBL provides a template for peace building that may be considered by the international community,” he said.

Coloma said the luncheon meeting between President Aquino and the legislators at Malacañang’s Heroes Hall began at about 12:15 p.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II led the lawmakers in the meeting with President Aquino. Joining the President were his Cabinet members, led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (PNA) RMA/PND/EDS