Robin Padilla goes to Congress with shirt that says Pope Francis backs BBL

Action star Robin Padilla personally appealed to lawmakers Monday to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as the House of Representatives began the period of interpellation on the measure.

Padilla showed up at the House during the plenary session wearing a red long-sleeve shirt printed with a quote from Pope Francis commending Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for brokering a peace deal after 17 years of negotiations. He issued the statement during his five-day state and pastoral visit to the Philippines.

The pontiff’s quote read: “I note with pleasure that last March an agreement was signed to end long years of tension in the Philippines.”

The back portion of the shirt, meanwhile, was printed with a photo of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Atop the photo was the question: “The Holy Father of the Catholic Church supports the BBL. Are you taking the side of the Pope or the side of this politician?”

Below Cayetano’s photo are the words: “Mas maraming teroristang Kristyano.”

The senator has been vocal about his opposition of the BBL, and warned that passing the measure will make the MILF more powerful.

Supported by Catholic Church

In asking lawmakers to pass the Bangsamoro bill, now called the proposed Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Padilla indicated that the House members should consider the benefits the entire country will reap once the landmark measure is legislated.

“Ako’y kumakatok sa puso ng mga congressmen. Alam kong medyo may pressure dahil palapit na ang 2016 elections, pero sana ay wag silang ma-pressure at isipin nila ang kapakanan ng bansa [sa pagpasa sa BBL],” he said.

Padilla admitted having some concerns about the bill at the start— particularly on its provisions for funding—but was convinced to support it after his questions were answered by the government peace panel.

While acknowledging that even the best legal minds in the country are split on the bill’s constitutionality, Padilla said what was undeniable is Pope Francis’ support for the peace process.

“Kahit ito’y usaping Muslim, ito’y suportado ng Simbahang Katolika. Wala na tayong mahihiling pa” he said.

Padilla vowed to monitor plenary debates on the Bangsamoro bill in the remaining session days before Congress adjourns on June 11.

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II earlier said the chamber will give its “best shot” to pass the measure by its target date but admitted that it will be a difficult task because of the bevy of lawmakers who have expressed interest to participate in the plenary debates. —NB, GMA News