Malacanang on Tuesday assured that President Rodrigo Duterte will certify the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as urgent “anytime soon”.

“The President promised to certify it,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

Roque, however, said there is no assurance if the House of Representatives version of the bill will be certified by the President.

“I have not seen the text but if it is in conformity with what was agreed upon, then there should be no problem. The President should certify it,” Roque, a former lawmaker, said.

Roque clarified that there is no need for the President to meet with House leaders.

The House leaders have reportedly said they will ask the President to certify the BBL as urgent since Congress is set to adjourn sine die on June 2.

“(It will) just be certified as urgent. That can speed up the passing of this BBL,” he said.

Once certified as urgent, the BBL can be passed by Congress on the second and third reading on the same day.

Asked when the President would certify the BBL, Roque said “anytime soon, because that’s what they agreed to speed up”.

“Their last meeting here at the Palace is to speed up, you will have certification as urgent for both chambers,” he added. (PNA)