Peace summit convenors: ‘We are not a political movement’

THE FIVE original convenors of the “National Peace Summit” which will push for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Wednesday denied that they are a political movement.

In a statement, the convenors, composed of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., businessman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, former Ambassador to the Holy See and Malta Howard Dee, and youth leader Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, said that the peace council is task to educate the public on the proposed law.

“We would like to emphasize that we are not a pressure group or a political movement; but rather, we are a group that would like to provide an avenue for dialogue between independent-minded citizens who believe in the importance of understanding the BBL and to discuss its implications for peace and development in our country at a fair and reasonable manner. We have no intentions to go beyond our self-imposed task of helping ourselves and our fellow citizens understand the importance of the peace issues at hand,” the statement read.
They said that they would also invite other experts on the issue and establish a secretariat, which will be tasked to “put together the appropriate plan, timetable, system for publicity, security detailing, program mechanics, statements, venue, and printing of final summit report.”

Aside from seeking the opinion of co-convenors and experts on the peace process, they will also hold dialogues with people from the private and development sectors.

The final summit report will be sent to the President, the legislative, judiciary and will be shared to the Filipino people, the convenors said.

“In the spirit of Lent of our Christian brothers and sisters, we enjoin everyone of different faiths to pray for our country and the peace we all aspire for,” they said.

In a national address last Friday, President Benigno Aquino III announced the formation of an independent peace council, which he hopes to “dissect the proposed law in a calm and reasonable manner that will not incite anger and hopelessness.”

“I do not pursue peace just to add to my legacy. What we are pursuing is a genuine peace that truly addresses the roots of the problems that led to violence. At this point in our history, I say to all of you: The BBL will make this a reality,” Aquino said. AC
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