President Rodrigo Duterte during the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City. Malacañang file photo

Duterte tells BTA Gov't to 'hurry up'

• Jun 30, 2019
• Alexander Iskandar, Luwaran
• HITS: 2183

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao– In a speech delivered in front of newly-elected local officials in Malacañang on June 25, 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte told the leadership of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to "hurry up." He said that country is still far away.

“We still have to perfect the BOL. I am now the one government that is hurrying them up," said Duterte in his speech.

In a Rappler report on June 26, Duterte spoke of the need to develop resources in the new Bangsamoro autonomous region, mentioning specifically Liguasan Marsh, said to hold $1 billion worth of natural gas deposits.

Duterte cited a "communication" problem delaying the work of the BTA.

"Ako na ang nagsasabi ‘bilisan ninyo, ayusin ninyo.’ (I am the one saying, hurry up.) The problem is there seems to be a breakdown in the efficient communication between the central government at ang (BTA)," he saida s quoted by Rappler.

"And I seldom see them in the official – well, ceremonies, functions and all. I could not even gather them in one room to sit down and discuss what needs to be done," he said.

"This is really the opportunity for us now to connect to them and be true to our word, the majority of Christians, to give you what is yours," said Duterte Rappler quoted him saying.

The last time Duterte joined BTA members in an official gathering was during an Eid'l Fitr celebration in Davao City.

The BTA, led by former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has its work cut out for it given much pressure to fulfill the BOL's promises of improved delivery of social services, peace and order, and economic development for Muslim Mindanao.

The passage and ratification of the BOL, and formation of the BTA are among the campaign promises of Duterte in 2016, and has been accomplished more than two (2) after he assumed office. (Source: Rappler)

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