Duterte meets lawmakers, Bangsamoro Transition Commission over BBL

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night met with lawmakers and members of the body that drafted the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is now pending approval in Congress.

LOOK: President Duterte talks to the leaders of the Legislative branch about the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (Photos by Spokesperson @attyharryroque) @gmanews pic.twitter.com/364rNFKTzz

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) May 28, 2018

Duterte held separate meetings with congressional leaders including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) in Malacañang, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Roque did not say what was discussed during the meetings that came after the Senate and House of Representatives urged Duterte to certify the bill as urgent to ensure its passage before Congress adjourns sine die on June 1.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas had said congressional leaders sought an audience with the President to discuss the contentious provisions of the measure.

Last week, House members discussed with the BTC the contentious provisions and proposed amendments to the bill.

Fariñas said the BTC agreed to several of the amendments proposed by the lawmakers.

Opposition lawmakers, however, cautioned  their colleagues against rushing the approval of the bill, arguing those who would like to debate on the measure should be given the chance.

The BBL aims to end decades of conflict in Mindanao by creating a political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. — BAP, GMA News