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!