MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial candidate Walden Bello on Friday, April 15, pushed for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that seeks to create a more powerful Muslim region in the southern Philippines.

“We have to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Bello said during the second #TheLeaderIWant debate organized by Rappler.

Bello said the BBL “is something that has to be discussed again.” (READ: The Leader I Want: Walden Bello’s to-fix list for 2016)

The BBL, a pet project of President Benigno Aquino III, already languished in Congress. (READ: Bishops, peace advocates: Hear Mindanao, pass BBL)

Lawmakers refused to support the proposed law after a bloody clash between elite cops and Muslim rebels that fueled sentiments against the BBL.

At the same time, Bello urged the creation of a “marshall plan” through which the government will focus its resources in Mindanao.

Senatorial candidate Dionisio Santiago, for his part, pointed out that everyone wants peace but the BBL has “unconstitutional” provisions.

Later in the debate, Bello referred to the entire Philippines, and pushed for development that keeps Filipinos “out of poverty.”

“It’s about time we really focused on improving local living standards,” Bello said. – Rappler.com