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Sponsorship Speech of Sen. JV Ejercito on National Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission for the BANGSAMORO

August 27, 2024

Mr. President, my dear colleagues, good afternoon.

It is my distinct honor to rise today to sponsor and champion Senate Bill 2796 under Committee Report 306 or the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Act for the Bangsamoro. I would also like to mention our esteemed colleagues who authored this measure, the Majority Leader—Senator Tol Tolentino and the Deputy Minority Leader—Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Mr. President, reflecting on the challenging days of the height of insurgency in Mindanao which tested the resolve of several administrations, including that of my father, President Joseph Estrada, I am reminded of the resilience that our nation has demonstrated in overcoming such adversity.

Experts and researchers in peace and autonomy have determined that poverty, political marginalization, and perceived or actual injustices are the main triggers of internal conflict.

In 2018, the Bangsamoro Organic Law was passed by Congress. Isa itong tagumpay para sa ating mga kapatid sa Bangsamoro region. This provided the basic structure of government for Bangsamoro, after the peace agreement of the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. 

As we continue to move forward, and as we continue to resolve the root causes of conflict in Mindanao, let us recognize that dialogue and the pursuit of true reconciliation hold immense potential. These avenues can shape a brighter future—one where peace prevails over conflict, and understanding triumphs over hostility.

This representation, and undoubtedly the entirety of the Filipino nation, are grateful that those old wounds are beginning to heal.

Mr. President, Section 10 of the 1987 Constitution, mandates that the State promote social justice in all aspects of national development. This Constitutional directive is echoed in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which stipulates that social justice shall be upheld in all facets of life and development within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The proposed measure seeks to establish a Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Program for the Bangsamoro which shall address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro and indigenous people. This, Mr. President, is a tangible step towards realizing the constitutional and statutory commitments.

This bill strives to achieve true justice and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro region through the correction of years of historical injustices, the redress of human rights violations and gender-based violence, and marginalization related to land dispossession.

Under the proposed measure, in order to achieve its mandate to formulate the program and mechanisms in the implementation of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Program, a National Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission on the Bangsamoro is proposed to be created. The Commission is tasked to regularly engage stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of its projects and programs.

While this bill is a significant step forward, it's important to acknowledge that it's not a panacea. To achieve lasting peace and reconstruction in the region, we must continue to work together as Moro, Christian, and Lumad. 

Peace, justice, and reconciliation is not just a matter of public policy and economics. It requires a deep-rooted trust among all parties. It is a matter of trusting one another, which is the foundation of meaningful relationships in the community and society, along with the guarantee of rights and the dignity of every person. 

Ginoong Pangulo, ang kapayapaan at katahimikan sa Mindanao ay isang pangarap na itinaguyod ng ilang mga henerasyon na ng mga Pilipinong na hindi sumusuko sa adhikain ng kapayapaan. Nagpapasalamat at kinikilala natin ang kanilang mga dakilang kontribusyon sa pagtahak natin tungo sa mas maginhawang kinabukasan.

We are profoundly grateful that the echoes of gunfire, bombs, and fighter planes have given way to a more harmonious symphony—the laughter of children, the bustling of commerce, and the serene tranquility of peace. Malayo pa ang mararating, pero malayo na ang narating ng ating kolektibong pagsisikap upang makamit ang kapayapaan.

Echoing the words of a renowned humanitarian, the 14th Dalai Lama, that we must wage peace as vigilantly as we wage war.  This bill stands as a formidable instrument for achieving and sustaining enduring peace in our country.

Namumulaklak na ang mga binhi ng pag-asa at kapayapaan, mas lalo pa natin itong pagyabungin. Simula pa lang po ito, kung kaya't patuloy po natin itaguyod, pangalagaan, at palawigin ang kapayapaan at ang mga bunga nito para sa ating minamahal na bayan.

And for all those reasons, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

Shukran!

 

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