IBP Davao president lauds Bangsamoro framework deal

INTEGRATED Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao chapter president Jonathan Jocom lauded the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), saying it will pave the way for lasting peace in Mindanao.

The framework agreement was concluded during the 32nd formal exploratory peace talks that started last October 2, facilitated by panel chairs Marvic Leonen of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Mohagher Iqbal of the MILF in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

“I hope concrete achievements could come out of the said agreement so that we could have peace in Mindanao,” Jocom said.

He said he expects all stakeholders will honor the agreement so that lasting peace will not only be an illusion but a reality.

In earlier news, President Benigno Aquino III said the name “Bangsamoro” symbolizes and honors the struggles of our forebears in Mindanao, and celebrates the history and character of that part of our nation.

"This is the context that informed our negotiations throughout the peace process. And now, we have forged an agreement that seeks to correct these problems. It defines our parameters and our objectives, while upholding the integrity and sovereignty of our nation," the President was quoted as saying earlier.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also expressed high hopes for the framework agreement, considering it as one of the best moves that the present administration has made so far.

"It is good for people in the entire Mindanao to move on," she said, adding it is something that all Filipinos, not only among Mindanaons, should be thankful for.

Leonen on Tuesday said the transition commission will be composed of all Bangsamoro, who will craft the Bangsomoro basic law that will govern rules on the new semi-autonomous region.

“This will be a group of citizens that will craft a proposed basic law, the Bangsamoro basic law, which will then be submitted to Congress thereafter approved by the President and the commitment is to submit it back to the people affected to ratify the law as well as their inclusion into what the area now being called as Bangsamoro,” Leonen said.

Leonen said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) will continue to govern the region until a new law is passed and ratified. The next Armm officials will be elected in next year's polls.

The framework agreement is expected to be signed today, October 15. (Arianne Caryl N. Casas)