MALACAÑANG has issued Proclamation No. 646 declaring Monday, Jan. 21, a special non-working day in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City in Basilan, and Cotabato City for the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). “[I]n order to give the people of the ARMM, Isabela City, and Cotabato City the opportunity to actively and fully participate in the plebiscite and exercise their right to vote, it is but fitting and proper to declare 21 January 2019 a special (non-working) day,” reads part of the proclamation signed by Executive Secretary Salvador S. Medialdea on Jan. 10 and made public yesterday. Meanwhile, the areas in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Cotabato that will take part in the plebiscite will cast their ballots on Feb. 6. President Rodrigo R. Duterte is scheduled to lead a peace assembly for the ratification of the BOL in Cotabato City on Friday, Jan. 18. In a press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said that “it is just logical” for the President “who is in favor” of the BOL “to make a pitch for it.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
