Palace to Bangsamoro law skeptics: Read draft bill first

MANILA, Philippines - Doubts on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be erased if its skeptics will first study the controversial measure, Malacañang said Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the administration understands that Filipinos including lawmakers have become apprehensive over the BBL following the January 25 Mamasapano incident that left 67 people dead including 44 police commandos.

Coloma said it is all part of the democratic dialogue but he is also wondering if those questioning the BBL have throughly studied the draft BBL filed in Congress.

"'Yung mga nagpapahayag ng reserbasyon, mainam siguro na pag-aralan nilang mabuti yung mga probisyon dahil ito ay dumaan na rin sa masusing pag-aaral ng maraming eksperto, maraming dalubhasa," Coloma said.

"'Yung bang mga nagpapahayag niyan, nabasa na ba nila yung batas? Kasi ang pagbabatayan ng batas ay yung mismong nakahain sa Kongreso," he added.

Coloma said all questions regarding the BBL should be tackled by Congress, which is eyeing to pass it by June.

RELATED: Palace OK with Congress target to pass BBL by June

"Kung 'yung mga tanong na iyon ay isasalang sa pagtatalakayan at maayos na pagdedebate, sa aking palagay, maraming kaliwanagan ang magiging resulta at yung may dating alinlangan, mapapawi yung alinlangan," Coloma said.

While there are skeptics, Coloma said the BBL still has supporters including the 14 original authors of the 1987 Constitution who see nothing unlawful with the measure.

"Sa kanilang pananaw, tumatalima yung Bangsamoro Basic Law sa mga probisyon at prinsipyo ng 1987 Constitution," Coloma said.

He also reiterated that the Palace is open to changes in the BBL, saying amending it is part of the legislative process.

But Coloma also echoed President Aquino's request to lawmakers not to dilute the BBL too much.

"Ang sinasabi lang naman ng Pangulo ay intindihin naman natin yung buong sustansya ng ating inihahaing BBL," the Palace official said.

RELATED: Palace to Bangsamoro law skeptics: Read draft bill first