Aquino repeats: 2 senators blocked BBL passage

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday reiterated that there were two senators responsible for the non-passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

While discussing the solution for peace process at the Philippine Military Academy graduation rites for the Gabay-Laya Class of 2016, Aquino said he is saddened that there were two senators who he alleged unfortunately blocked the passage of BBL.

Aquino said the two senators just expressed opposition against the proposed act but failed to suggest an alternative solution regarding the peace process. However, he did not name the two senators.

During the Liberal Party’s kickoff rally last February 9, Aquino also mentioned that there were two senators who conspired to block the passage of BBL. He also failed to name them but reports said he was referring to Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The president urged the public to judge whether the current administration or the lawmakers committed shortcomings.

“Ang masakit po, may dalawang miyembro ng Senado na tahasang hinarang ang BBL. Dito ko naalala 'yung sinasabi ng nakakatanda: Sige, malinawag na ayaw mo, ano naman ang gusto mo?” Aquino said in his speech.

“Ang dalawang miyembrong ito ng Senado, naiwan na lang sa “ayaw” nang walang nilalatag na mas mainam na solusyon. Kayo na nga po ang humusga kung sino sa amin ang nagkulang at kung sino naman ang tumotoo sa inyo,” he added.

Aquino made the remark while discussing that his "Daang Matuwid" platform includes resolution of the peace process. He said the administration even formed an agreement that included the trust of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the hope of obtaining peace.

“Alam po natin ang kasabihang “Ang kasundaluhan ang huling magnanais na magkaroon ng kaguluhan.” Sila nga ang unang sasabak sa hidwaan, sila ang unang magsasakripisyo, at sila ang unang malalagay sa peligro. Nariyan po ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law, kasama na ang Framework Agreement at Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Aquino said.

“Ang hangad natin: Maghatid ng katarungan, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro,” he added.