Aquino forms peace council
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Undersecretary Rey Marfil and Director Jo Paulo Espiritu were the only Palace officials at the room where the President delivered his message.
The President warned that as the country moved closer to attaining peace in Mindanao, “the cacophony that aims to dismantle our trust in each other will also grow louder.”
“It is only right and prudent for us to prepare, for them not to succeed,” he said.
“I get to wonder now: Are the ones calling to put a stop to the BBL those who will be the most affected by the transformation that we seek to make permanent for the Bangsamoro? Perhaps their sole intention is to lord it over our countrymen once more, the moment that the old system is restored,” the President said.
Warmongers
Mr. Aquino also warned the public against people who were calling for an end to the peace process and were advocating an “all-out war.”
Article continues after this advertisementHe stressed that there is nothing to gain from war, except more dead Filipinos zipped up in body bags.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Aquino says PH stands to lose more if BBL not passed
The President recalled that during the time of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who waged a war against Moro insurgents, there were rumors that the blackouts were meant to conceal the arrival of the body bags and cover up the large number of casualties.
The four-decade Mindanao conflict has cost the lives of more than 150,000 people, the displacement of millions of others, and billions of pesos in economic losses.
“Allow me to emphasize once again: Violence cannot resolve violence; anger can never come to an end if it is also met with anger. Only compassion can put an end to violence. Only love can extinguish anger,” Mr. Aquino said.
“Is it too much to ask that Filipinos show compassion and love to their fellow Filipinos? No one can deny that if we attain peace the standard of living in the Bangsamoro will rise. And when one region rises, so does the entire country. Indeed, peace is the only path to our aspirations for inclusive growth,” he added.
Congress’ job
Commenting on the President’s announcement, two senators said Congress should first be given a chance to produce its own version of the BBL before the Palace-sponsored council went to work.
Other senators, however, had a positive view of the creation of the council, which they said could bring better understanding of the bill.
“However, before these eminent individuals would be given the chance to help in objectively communicating to all Filipinos the goals and the practical necessity of a political settlement toward peace and development in Muslim Mindanao, Congress must first be given the opportunity to come up with a constitutional version of the BBL,” Sen. Grace Poe said.
But Poe agreed that the citizens should be enlightened on the provisions and goals of the draft BBL, and also praised the people chosen to lead the council.
The respected society leaders could play a big role in ensuring public understanding of the measure, which could translate to support, Poe said.
“By having respected leaders of society analyze, suggest amendments if any and objectively present the BBL, the public may be more inclined to keep an open mind, understand and perhaps even support the measure,” she said.
Sen. Sergio Osmeña III said the education of the populace was always important, but the focus should first be on the legislators who would deliberate on and come out with the final version of the BBL.
“At this time, the priority should be the education of the members of Congress who are tasked to examine, amend and approve the BBL,” Osmeña said. With reports from Leila B. Salaverria and Tina G. Santos
RELATED STORIES
Mindanao business, civil society groups: Continue peace process
US, others back Mindanao peace
