(Eagle News) — The Palace on Monday, July 23, described as “unfortunate” the House of Representatives’ failure to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“We consider this as a temporary setback in the administration’s goal of laying the foundation for a more genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Roque added, however, that the Palace remained confident that the President would sign the measure “as soon as both houses of Congress finally ratify the bill.”
The House of Representatives adjourned its session without the ratification, amid then-rumors Pantaleon Alvarez would be ousted as Speaker.
Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin later confirmed there was indeed a plan to oust Alvarez, saying it was Davao Mayor Sara Duterte who was behind the same.
The presidential daughter engaged in a word war with Alvarez over her establishment of a regional party.
Alvarez called her a member of the opposition, but she said the move had her father’s blessing.
Earlier, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report.
The measure should have been sent to Malacanang for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature before his third State of the Nation Address.