Palace: No 'pork,' 'pabaon' for Bangsamoro law supporters

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang assured Friday that it will not give additional funds to lawmakers just to make sure that they will pass the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a press briefing, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the executive department will not revive the abolished and unconstitutional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel to reward lawmakers who would back the BBL.

"Baka sabihin gagamit kami ng PDAF. Wala na hong PDAF," Valte said.

When asked if there will be "pabaon" or any other kind of additional funding to BBL supporters, Valte answered, "Hindi po uso sa Aquino administration iyon."

The BBL is the product of the peace negotiations between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The measure will enable the creation of a Bangsamoro region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Following a deadly encounter between elite police commandos and MILF fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, lawmakers have sought to either junk or revise the BBL as issues of its constitutionality linger.

President Aquino recently met with Congress leaders, who are now reportedly eyeing to pass the BBL before his final State of the Nation Address.

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

Valte said Aquino and the executive department will continue to hold consultations with lawmakers regarding the BBL.

She reiterated the president's appeal to legislators not to dilute the BBL too much.

"Bukas po tayo doon sa mga pag-amyenda, ang hinihingi lang po natin ay ma-preserve naman yung spirit ng ating gustong mangyari," Valte said.

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