Buoyed by the gains of the Mindanao peace process, President Aquino is not giving up the fight for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress even after his term.
The President has promised to support efforts to advance peace and development in Mindanao even as private citizen during a gathering of stakeholders in Malacañang Thursday.
“We remain hopeful for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the incoming Congress,” Aquino said during the launching of the book “Junctures: Selected Speeches and Statements” on the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“There is a long way to go, and many of us who worked so hard for peace are fearful, apprehensive, and unsure. It is true that the culmination of our efforts has been delayed. Today, however, I ask you to remember and take strength from the progress we have made,” he added.
The Aquino government was able to seal a historic peace accord with the MILF in March 2014 after years of negotiations.
The peace process, however, suffered a setback when the proposed BBL failed to get the nod of Congress. The bill seeks to implement provisions of the peace deal, particularly the establishment of Bangsamoro political entity with greater territory and fiscal autonomy.
Despite the setback, the President said the nation must continue along the road to true and lasting peace in Mindanao. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)