Transcript of Ambush Interview with Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On filing the Bangsamoro Bill

SPFMD: We have filed today the Bangsamoro Basic Law. It has the support of the majority of the senators. Thirteen senators signed as co-authors. There is a bipartisan support. What is significant is the four members of the minority group in the Senate led by acting minority leader Sen. Vicente Sotto III signed as co-authors.

Ang susunod po namin na gagawin ay irerefer sa Senate Committees on Local Government at on Peace, Unification and Ratification, in accordance with the rules of the Senate and the precedent which are the previous laws concerning the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, which have been referred to these committees based on their jurisdiction.

So Senator Marcos expressed his intention to hold a briefing first because this law is very complicated and I endorse that. He will call committee hearings on this where all parties would be heard.

The first important issue is that the Bangsamoro Basic Law should not require an amendment in the Constitution. It should be consistent with the Constitution, katulad ng anumang batas na aming ipapasa.We are confident that we will be able to pass this law within the first quarter of next year.

Q: What does it mean na may briefing?

SPFMD: It means that the senators recognize the need for a basic law which will replace the present charter of the Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao once the bill and the law is ratified. It is only upon ratification by the concerned sector that the law becomes effective and therefore the present law will be replaced.

Q: Do you expect smooth passing of the measure?

SPFMD: There will be a lively debate on this issue, because each senator will look at all of the provisions of the bill. The first issue that will be the topic of discussion will be: Is there any provision in the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will contravene the Constitution?

The most contentious issue that we see is the form of government. The Bangsamoro juridical entity will have a ministerial form of government. It is our view that there is nothing in the Constitution prohibits that. What is provided in the Constitution is that the basic law must be ratified that will provide for the legislative and the judiciary branches. It does not say what form of government it should be. In other words, there is enough leeway in the Constitution. There is nothing in the Constitution that prohibits the parliamentary system of government. To me that can be defended.

Q: On Rep. Ridon's claims

SPFMD: I have already said my piece. I don't think any further statement is necessary. We have other important things to do.

Q: On the Blue Ribbon Committee's invitation to VP Binay

SPFMD: That is a call of the Blue Ribbon Committee. Whether or not the Vice President will accept the invitation is up to him.

Q: Have you signed a subpoena for Mayor Junjun Binay?

SPFMD: Yes, there was a request for subpoena for Mayor Junjun Binay, which I signed, along with subpoenas for two other individuals last week. It was recommended by Blue Ribbon Subcommittee Chairman Koko Pimentel, and hence I signed it. There is no reason why I should not sign it.

Q: On signing a subpoena for the Vice President

SPFMD: Okay. As a matter of respect, I will not issue a subpoena. That is as respect to the office of the Vice President. I will not sign any subpoenas to the Vice President. The invitation has been issued, it is up to him.