The signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) does not preclude changes to it as President Rodrigo Duterte is open to reviewing and changing its contentious provisions, Malacañang said yesterday.

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, meanwhile, said Mr. Duterte will hold a ceremonial signing of the BOL in Malacañang on 6 August.

“I think the general sentiment of the President is if there are those who object, we’re open to reviewing those specific provisions,” Roque said.

“I think the general sentiment of the President is if there are those who object, we’re open to reviewing those specific provisions,” Roque said.

Roque also welcomed the overwhelming favorable response of the international community to the BOL.

“Of course, we are one with the whole world in praying that the Bangsamoro Organic Law would pave the way for lasting peace in Mindanao,” Roque said.

Mr. Duterte signed without fanfare last 27 July the landmark legislation which is expected to bring the much desire peace in Mindanao.

Roque, for instance, noted Sulu did not previously welcome being part of the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region. Roque, however, said “things have changed.”

“During the President’s visit to Sulu, there are many who are against the BOL just because traditionally Sulu does not want to be part of it,” Roque said.

“The President had four or five trips to Jolo, Sulu. I don’t think any other President has made these trips to Sulu and I think the message of the President is that he really wanted to reach out to the people of Sulu to encourage them to work for lasting peace,” Roque said.

Duterte was in Jolo, Sulu last Friday to visit fire victims as he vowed to provide the local government with financial aid and additional fire trucks.

Roque said the BOL might not be perfect but he said it was not “rushed.”

“It wasn’t really rushed. It’s been there, it’s been pending, it took us almost a year to discuss the BOL, there’s been substantial consultations. I note that the President even called members of Congress and Senate at least three times to the Palace [to discuss the measure],” Roque said.

“Although, you know, nothing is perfect and of course the BOL as signed in the law is a result of compromises. So all that the President was saying is that if you have specific complaints, we’re open to discuss these complaints in the view of possibly amending it,” he added.

Should there be revisions, it would have to require congressional action, Roque added.

“For now we have the BOL, so let’s see whatever changes they may want,” he added.

Mr. Duterte is also reaching out to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari and he is willing to accommodate some of Misuari’s wishes, Roque said.

“As of now I think it’s just really a strong message that if you’re not happy with BOL, come talk to me,” Roque said.

Roque added Duterte is also open to accepting surrenderers from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) noting that he would provide them with housing, capital, land and employment.