Transcript of Ambush Interview with Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

Q: On the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)

SPFMD: The BBL is basically considered in our legislative history of as a bill of local application, as a local bill, which means that we wait for the House of Representatives to pass its version. And our legislative history of the ARMM Law and other related laws would show that we always wait for the House to pass it, because bills of local application would originate from the House.

Now, having said that, what we will do is we will keep on pushing the bill in the Senate. Right now it is in the period of interpellation- we hope to finish the period of interpellation and await the House action afterwards.

Wala akong magagawa. As I said and I will repeat, if you look at the records of the Senate, talagang nauuna yung Kamara de Representante sa pag apruba sa ARMM Law.

Q: Sir sa South China Sea may pinapunta po na mga civilians ang China, sa Kagitingan Reef.

SPFMD: Well I just hope that the arbitration be decided as soon as possible, because that is the only way that we can have some leverage on China and to put it squarely on an international issue by showing the illegality of their actions. So we hope that the arbitration can be finished as soon as possible.

Q: Yung BBL may balak po ba kayong makipag-dayalogo sa House leadership?

SPFMD: Araw-araw kaming nagdadayalogo. You know, we are both trying our best, but that is where it is today.

Q: Ano po ang expectation ninyo sa Mamasapano hearing next week?

SPFMD: I do not know. Let us just wait.

Q: Yung possibility ng closed door sessions,sabi ni Senator Enrile hindi daw naman national security. Do you share the same opinion?

SPFMD: We will see, because the process is when somebody will ask for an executive session, we will first find out what topics will be testified upon, and we will determine whether an executive session is necessary. An executive session is decided by the committee.

Q: May ilang mga executive officials na pinapainvite si Senator Enrile. Is there a way to compel them to attend?

SPFMD: Invite nga eh, they should honor the invitation.

Q: What if is President Aquino?

SPFMD: I don't think that was brought up.

Q: This time po, si Executive Secretary Ochoa, will he be compelled?

SPFMD: I do not know who they called as witnesses, but I am sure that the executive branch will cooperate with the investigation.