Legarda on Bangsamoro Agreement: Historic Big Step Towards Lasting Peace

Senator Loren Legarda today described the signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a “historic big step towards just and lasting peace.”

“Everyone deserves to live in an environment of peace and prosperity. The signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro today brings us closer to fulfilling peace, not just for our Muslim brothers, but for every Filipino. It is our hope that the initiative can be sustained and that the challenges ahead will be overcome for the sake of the millions of Filipinos who deserve the peace and progress due them,” said Legarda.

The Senator said that the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement today signals the next phase of the process of peace building, as well as the process of social and economic inclusion for all Filipinos in Mindanao—the drafting and consideration of the Basic Law of the Bangsamoro region.

“I understand that this Basic Law is now being drafted by a Transition Commission. We await the submission of the draft in the Philippine Congress. As a legislator, my guidepost in considering the draft Basic Law would be that of serving the best interest of all Filipinos and the country in general,” said Legarda.

She added that the Comprehensive Agreement and its annexes will be considered as part of Congress’ law-making duties, not to find fault, but to find ways by which these may become instruments to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

“With peace in Mindanao, we can achieve greater national prosperity. A peaceful and productive co-existence with our Muslim brethren can help promote and facilitate social and economic inclusion that will help guarantee a better future for all Filipinos. Government needs to make sure that every Filipino today understands and becomes a part of the nation’s peace-building process. This is the only way we can ensure lasting peace,” she stressed.

“I urge everyone to help create and nurture an atmosphere conducive to peace. The opportunity presents itself with today’s signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Legarda concluded.