BBL is out

The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which administration allies thought would be a legacy of President Aquino, is dead – at least in the 16th Congress. With only three session days left before the campaign period for the May, 2016, elections starts on February 9, Senate President Franklin Drilon conceded there is no more time for Congress to pass the BBL. The measure is already dead in the Senate, Drilon, a staunched supporter of President Aquino, said. Likewise, Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr., another key Aquino ally, admitted that the BBL is dead in the 16th Congress. He said that even if the House would be able to pass the measure, the Senate “has not been acting on it.” “No question that it won’t become a law, even if we pass our version. The Senate has not been acting on it,” Belmonte said. The Lower House still has three session days [...]