OPAPP welcomes substitute Bangsamoro Law

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Tuesday welcomed the submission of Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s committee report on the substitute Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said that this development would allow deliberations on the proposed measure to proceed with due diligence and without further delay.

The Senate is expected to subject the bill to "rigorous scrutiny and debate," Deles said.

Deles added that the OPAPP is willing to “extend any needed assistance to our lawmakers as they deliberate on the proposed bill.”

The OPAPP can help "explain and clarify the different provisions and their importance in addressing the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people," Deles said.

Marcos and 16 other senators have signed the 100-page committee report on the substitute BBL.

Meanwhile, government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer is hoping that members of the House of Representatives would also continue on their own deliberations of the BBL.

"We remain hopeful and confident that Congress will pass a meaningful BBL for lasting peace and development in southern Philippines in accordance with the mandate of the Constitution," Deles added.

Deles, Ferrer and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal recently met with House Ad Hoc Committee Chair Rufus Rodriguez and his vice-chairs to discuss concerns on the proposed law.