PASAY CITY — Senator Loren Legarda has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing efforts for sustained peace and progress in the Bangsamoro region.
Speaking at
the second meeting of the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum
(PCBPF) recently, Legarda emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts
to harmonize legislative initiatives that align with the unique needs of the
region.
Highlighting
the Bangsamoro region as the culmination of extensive peace negotiations,
Legarda underlined its role in embodying the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations
for economic, socio-cultural, and spiritual growth.
As the
transition of government processes continues, she stressed the importance of
strengthening programs through efficient coordination and cooperation in
legislative endeavors tailored to the region’s specific needs.
“The
Bangsamoro people can establish a legacy built on the foundations of moral
governance and take ownership of their stories, sharing their aspirations with
the rest of the world,” she added.
The PCBPF
serves as a crucial platform for the two legislative bodies to deliberate on
legislative measures and issues affecting both the regional and national
governments.
The continuous
collaboration seeks to find common ground on various matters and avoid
potential conflicts arising from the implementation of provisions within the
Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Chaired by
distinguished leaders in their respective chambers, Legarda, Representative
Yasser Balindong, and Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong, the PCBPF represents a
key platform for these legislative bodies to engage in constructive dialogues,
fostering understanding and consensus on crucial legislative measures and
issues.
During its
recent meeting, the PCBPF constituted several technical working groups to focus
on several matters, including the integration of Moro Islamic Liberation Front
and Moro National Liberation Front members into the ranks of the Philippine
National Police, the application period for amnesty, the qualifications
required for appointment as a judge of the Shari’ah Circuit Court, and a
discussion on laws related to the upgrading of hospitals in BARMM.
Chief Minister
Ahod Balawag Ebrahim of BARMM expressed the hope that the Philippine Congress
would maintain open lines of communication whenever legislative measures have
the potential to impact the region’s cultural and historical identity.
Senator Robin
Padilla highlighted the significance of the PCBPF in showcasing the progress
achieved by the BARMM since its inception.
He emphasized
that the Bangsamoro government is actively functioning and adapting to changes
while working to address issues.
The Bangsamoro
government is already making progress, Padilla added. “There are adjustments,
but we can see that something is being done.”
The forum, he
said, is also a symbol of unity toward peace. “For a long time, the voices of
this community have been unheard. Through PCBPF, their concerns will resonate
not only within Congress but across the entire nation,” he added.
Speaker Atty.
Pangalian Balindong also presented the accomplishments of the Bangsamoro
Parliament, highlighting the passage of the priority codes.
To date, the Bangsamoro
Parliament has approved 388 resolutions and 46 bills, including the
administrative, civil service, education, and electoral codes, as well as the
eight bills that create municipalities for the 63 barangays in the BARMM
Special Geographic Area.
Balindong
announced that the Local Governance Code is now at the committee level, and
they are diligently working towards its swift passage to the plenary.
“As we move
through this critical juncture in our history, we remain steadfast in our
commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities and paving the way for a brighter
future for our region and people,” said Balindong. (LTAIS-Public Information,
Publication, and Media Relations Division)
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