Senate to prioritize ‘crucial’ Bangsamoro pact

By: Maila Ager - 11 years ago

Senate President Franklin Drilon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines– Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday vowed to give “utmost priority” on the proposed Bangsamoro law as he hailed the forthcoming signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on March 27.

Drilon said Congress is looking forward to scrutinize the proposed Bangsamoro law “that will institute the necessary reforms called for in the agreement.

“The Senate is more than ready to work on the new Bangsamoro basic law – one that would be universally fair, practical and Constitutionally-consistent,” he said in a statement.

“The public can expect our commitment to the Bangsamoro not only for the sake of national progress, but also for the welfare and future of the entire Southeast Asian region,” he said.

Drilon hailed the signing of the comprehensive agreement as a “remarkable triumph of the Filipino towards unity and progress.

“The signing of the Bangsamoro agreement is not only for our country, it is also a testament to our Asian neighbors and to the whole world that though shaped by our diversity, we are much more defined by our common dreams of peace, equality and prosperity as a nation,” he said.

“This is a moment of immense pride, relief and joy throughout the entire Philippines, where we have arrived at a new era of understanding, security and opportunities now available for every Filipino – be they Muslim, Christian or members of our indigenous groups,” he added.

Drilon said that the country can now better devote its efforts towards social, economic, and political development amid growing aspirations for regional strength and inter-state solidarity throughout the entire Southeast Asian region.

“The success we have made are not limited within our nation, as the Bangsamoro plays an ever- crucial role in ASEAN regional security. The Bangsamoro shall be a beacon of cooperation and tolerance among the major Muslim constituencies in Southeast Asia, where it will be an example of what can be achieved when we shun extremism and violence in its every form,” he said.

For the peace to last, Drilon said, the government must “build upon this spirit of reconciliation with policies that will ensure good governance, social equity and the thorough rule of law which the people of Mindanao have long sought for.”

Neophyte Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay both expressed confidence that that the peace pact would finally put an end to armed conflict in Mindanao.

“We all are praying and working for a lasting peace in Mindanao. It is my hope that the historic signing will end armed conflict as the MILF has decided to lay down arms,” Binay said in a text message.

“It’s a big step by the government towards the right direction—peace in Mindanao, saving women and children from war, saving lives, hope and future,” she said.

For her part, Poe said: “As for lasting peace, of course I support it and I am hopeful.”

“True peace is the only way to achieve progress in Mindanao and a strong economic program and political stability are necessary to achieve lasting peace which the Bangsamoro accord aims to provide,” she added.