Duterte reiterates goal of passing BBL this year

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday reiterated his promise to the Moro people to have the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) passed by Congress this year.

"Give me time, this year. Hindi ako nag-next year, next election. This year. Kukumpletuhin ko ‘yan. Unahin muna natin ‘yung BBL," Duterte said in a speech in Buluan, Maguindanao, where he witnessed the turnover of hundreds of loose firearms.

He added that he intends to keep his promises.

"‘Pag hindi, baka mag-resign ako pagka-presidente. Inyo na lang ‘yan hindi ko talaga kaya," Duterte said.

Duterte also made a similar commitment on April 2 in Sultan Kudarat, where he disclosed that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a major supporter of the measure, was "in a hurry and has placed on us the burden of a timeline."

"And I have agreed to that period. I gave my solemn promise and I assure you I am working hard to meet the deadline," the President then said.

Two days later, the President made a vow to certify the bill as urgent after he met in Malacañang with congressional leaders including Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Congressional leaders also renewed their commitment to pass the bill by May 30, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

The BBL aims to end decades of conflict in Mindanao by creating a political entity that would enjoy greater autonomy.

In his speech, Duterte also promised to declare the whole of Mindanao a land reform area.

"I said I will proclaim the entire Mindanao, almost, as a land reform area. Para kunin na ninyo," he said, noting that government lands have remained "underdeveloped."

"I will give the lands away. Ano bang gamitin ko diyan sa bukid? Bigay ko na lang ‘yan tapos seedling as support. ‘Yan na lang muna tapos commercial [use]," the President said. — BM, GMA News