By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The House of Representatives Visayan Bloc, comprised of 42 legislators representing Visayan congressional districts and party-list groups, led by Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez, recently called for the swift passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), calling it “consistent with provisions of the Constitution.”

The coalition released a manifesto following a meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte, congressional leaders, and various Muslim organizations.

According to the bloc, BBL will “pave the way for long-lasting peace and socio-economic development in the proposed Bangsamoro region.”
Earlier, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said they will deliberate on the proposal when Congress reconvenes next month.
Before the break, Zamboanga Sibugay first district Rep. Wilter Palma II, who chairs the subcommittee on the draft BBL, said the committees on local government and Muslim affairs, along with the special committee on peace, reconciliation, and unity, were finalizing the substitute bill, which will amend the law creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Public hearings were also held in various areas, including Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Davao City, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Zamboanga City, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, and Marawi City, among other locations./DGB, WDJ