MANILA - Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has filed the Palace-endorsed version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Asked if he will create a special ad hoc committee to tackle the BBL at the House , Alvarez said: "I still have to discuss it with the rules committee."

The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the enabling measure of the peace compact signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014. It was crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which formally turned over the draft measure to Malacañang last July 17.

Malacañang has endorsed the BBL submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.

President Duterte has committed to bringing lasting peace in Mindanao during his term, citing it as one of his reasons for advocating for a shift to a federal form of government.

• Duterte presents BBL ‘game plan’ to MILF

Currently, there are 2 other bills for a Bangsamoro Basic Law in the 17th Congress--one from Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo and another from Tawi Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali.

Former President and Pampanga Rep, Gloria Arroyo also filed a bill providing for a Basic Act for the Bangsamoro and abolishing the ARMM.

MILF officials are hoping that the BBL will be passed under Duterte, which they say will help correct historical injustices committed against the Moros.

The MILF also believes that the passage of the BBL and the creation of a more independent Bangsamoro entity will stem the rise of Islamist extremists in Mindanao.

Analysts and supporters of the Bangsamoro cause have said the siege laid by Islamist State-inspired terrorists on Marawi City in a bid to establish an ISIS province in the country, should give the government and Congress more reason to pass the BBL.