President Rodrigo Duterte will meet on Monday, July 17, with leaders of both the Senate and House of Representatives  to discuss two major issues – the Bangsamo Basic Law (BBL) and Martial Law in Mindanao – that are expected be among the main focus of his State Of The Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

Duterte declared Martial Law in Mindanao on May 23, a day after the terrorist Maute Group attacked and occupied parts of Marawi City.

The 60-day life span of Proclamation No. 216 ends on July 22 and the President may ask Congress to extend the declaration that has to be approved by the Senate and House in joint session.

Duterte has said he has left it to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to decide if there is need to extend martial law.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) said it will submit to the President on July 17, on the day that he would meet with the lawmakers, the final draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).