Duterte to sign Bangsamoro law 48 hours after he gets ratified bill

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday promised to sign into law the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law within 48 hours from the time he received it .

In his third State of the Nation Address, Duterte said he would read the proposed measure to ensure that it would be beneficial to stakeholders.

“When the approved version is transmitted and received by my office, I intend to… give me 48 hours to sign it. Babasahin ko pa bago ko pipirmahan, baka may isiningit kayo diyan na hindi maganda para sa ibang tao,” Duterte said.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, head of the Senate contingent, stood up to applaud the President's announcement.

The Senate ratified the report of the bicameral conference committee but the House of Representatives failed to approve it amid a power struggle between Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“I make this solemn commitment, that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to chart their own destiny in the constitutional framework of our country,” Duterte added.

He admitted that loads of understanding and patience are needed to endure the birth pangs or pains of renewed beginning.

“To me, war is not an option. We have been through the catastrophe in Marawi, we have seen the horror, the devastation, and the human toll and  displacement of both Christians and Muslims alike,” he said.

Duterte said recalled that he made pledge that ISIS terrorists or its allies will never again foothold in the country.

“Yet when what remain of the decimated Maute ISIS in Marawi finally saw the error of their ways and express their desire to be integrated to our society and correct their errors,  we welcome them with open arms to embrace a peaceful, productive life,” he said.

He said the people owe it to the fallen soldiers and police officers in Marawi to put an end to blood shed and seek true peace that will last beyond the lifetime and that the next generation will reap. —NB, GMA News