Aquino summons lawmakers

AS the House of Representatives grapples with quorum problems that had delayed deliberations of the Bangsamoro bill, President Benigno Aquino 3rd threw his weight on Tuesday by summoning lawmakers to discuss the controversial measure in Malacañang.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino “called on members of the House of Representatives to seize the historic opportunity of enacting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and laying the foundations for long term peace.” Coloma said Aquino stressed that “passing the BBL now has become more imperative in view of the increased threats posed by global terrorism and radicalization.”