President to endorse draft law on Bangsamoro

By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter

MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III was set to endorse the draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress tomorrow.

Senate President Franklin Drilon and House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. will receive the draft law during a turnover ceremony in Malacañang.

“The leaders and our champions in Congress will go to Malacañang, and the President himself has decided to personally endorse the draft to Congress,” said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said.

Deles announced this yesterday after the launch of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

President Aquino also attended.

Drilon said the Senate will start its hearings on the proposed law as soon as it is submitted to them.

He said he is “confident” that they could pass the law “during the first quarter of next year.”

Drilon urged his fellow senators to put their political differences aside when deliberating on the proposed Bangsamoro law.

“We need everyone’s support for the crafting of an effective and lasting basic law to the Bangsamoro in both houses,” he said.

“No matter our political affiliations, we are all Filipinos,” he said, “and we all share a desire for peace, equality and prosperity as a nation.”/PN