MANILA, Philippines - The term of office of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) officials may be shortened if Congress passes the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Senate President Franklin Drilon said yesterday.
“That is what the BBL will provide in the transition to the new Bangsamoro autonomous government, assuming it is passed,” Drilon told ABS-CBN News Channel.
He admitted, though, that the Senate and the House of Representatives are running out of time to approve the draft BBL.
The two chambers are on a three-week recess for the Halloween and the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for next year’s elections. They will reconvene on Nov. 3.
Drilon said their priority when they resume session is the approval of the proposed P3.002-trillion 2016 national budget.
In the absence of a BBL, he said the status quo in the ARMM remains.
He said the Commission on Elections would have to accept the COCs of those interested in seeking elective office in the ARMM.
“That means that regional posts in the autonomous region are up for grabs in the May 2016 elections. But once the BBL is enacted and ratified in a plebiscite, the term of office of the regional officials elected next year may be cut,” he added.
Responding to a text query from The STAR after his television interview, Drilon said the term of office of local government officials like governors and mayors would not be affected by an approved BBL.
“This is governed by the Local Government Code not the present ARMM law. The LGC would not be amended and therefore, LGU officials will serve their full (three-year) term. Only the tenure of regional officials will be affected,” he said.
President Aquino has asked ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman to seek reelection.