House to resume Mamasapano, BBL hearings after Holy Week

The House of Representatives is keen on continuing its deliberations on the Mamasapano incident and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives will resume its hearings on the Mamasapano incident and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) after the Holy Week.

In an interview with radio dzMM, BBL ad hoc committee chair Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said that two committees have a scheduled hearing on the Mamasapano incident on April 7 and 8.

Deliberations on the BBL are scheduled on April 20 and 30. The proposed measure is expected to reach the plenary for deliberations by May 17 until the first week of June.

Rodriguez is still hoping that the BBL will be approved by June 30, which is the target date of both Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.

The lawmaker is confident that no "unconstitutional" provisions of the proposed measure will be revised.

Earlier reports stated that the House leadership will not invite President Benigno Aquino III during the hearings on the Mamasapano incident.

Rodriguez noted that this signifies respect among the three co-equal branches of the government since the Congress does not have power to force the president.

The lawmaker added that the president is welcome to attend the hearing or send a representative.

RELATED: House leaders agree: P-Noy won’t be invited

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