The overarching goal: peace in Mindanao

Peace Council for the BBL holds first meeting

Members of a peace council created by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to raise public awareness on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are buckling down to work after holding their first meeting this week in the capital city of Manila.

“The hard work begins after the BBL is passed,” former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said in his opening statement to the council composed of Catholic bishops, businessmen, civil society leaders, and peace advocates.

Aquino announced the creation of the council in his address to the nation on March 27, more than two months after the Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 operatives of the PNP-Special Action Force, 17 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and at least eight civilians.

Click on photo to read full report on creation of the peace council on Inquirer.net.

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

The police-led operation, codenamed Oplan Exodus, aimed to kill or capture three foreign-trained bombmakers who were in the most-wanted list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It triggered armed clashes among the SAF, MILF forces and other armed group in violation of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

Click on photo to read full speech of the President on March 27 during the anniversary of the first year of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year?s theme: ?Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO

The resulting furor over the incident has raised serious doubts over the BBL that would provide the framework for autonomy in the Muslim south. Some lawmakers who sponsored the bill withdrew their support for it after the incident.

The convenors organized four clusters that will lead discussions on the following topics, according to a press statement from the Citizen Peace Council: 1) constitutionality and forms and powers of government, to be chaired by Chief Justice Davide; 2) Justice, including social justice, and human development, to be co-chaired by former Ambassador Howard Dee and Honey Sumndad-Usman; 3) Economy and Patrimony, to be chaired by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and 4) Human Security.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Ayala said the Council intends to help the public understand what is at stake in the BBL, identify the contentions issues over the measure and “and help find a path towards reconciling divergent views.”

The other co-convenors of the council are: Archbishop Soc Villegas, Fr. Joel Tabora, Bishop Pablo David, Ms. Amina Rasul, Atty. Christian Monsod, Dean Sedfrey Candelaria, Dean Danilo Concepcion, Prof. Moner Bajunaid, Ms. Pat Sarenas, Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic, Dr. Cielito Habito, Mr. John Perrine, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, Bishop Tendero, Atty. Marlon Manuel, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, and Ramon del Rosario.

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Dee reminded council members in his closing statement: “Our overarching goal is peace with justice and development in Muslim Mindanao: a political peace settlement that addresses the injustices inflicted on the Bangsamoro religious, cultural and political identity as a people, as after all, they had their political identity before there was a Philippine nation; the human development of the Bangsamoro people by restoring their human rights and freedom to reverse their economic and social marginalization which has resulted in their human poverty level that is about twice the national average; a process of cultural and spiritual healing to overcome the deep-seated prejudices that continue to divide our people.”

The four clusters will be holding in-depth sessions in the coming days and are expected to finish discussions on April 18.

The overarching goal: peace in Mindanao

Peace Council for the BBL holds first meeting

Members of a peace council created by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to raise public awareness on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are buckling down to work after holding their first meeting this week in the capital city of Manila.

“The hard work begins after the BBL is passed,” former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said in his opening statement to the council composed of Catholic bishops, businessmen, civil society leaders, and peace advocates.

Aquino announced the creation of the council in his address to the nation on March 27, more than two months after the Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 operatives of the PNP-Special Action Force, 17 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and at least eight civilians.

Click on photo to read full report on creation of the peace council on Inquirer.net.

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

The police-led operation, codenamed Oplan Exodus, aimed to kill or capture three foreign-trained bombmakers who were in the most-wanted list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It triggered armed clashes among the SAF, MILF forces and other armed group in violation of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

Click on photo to read full speech of the President on March 27 during the anniversary of the first year of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year?s theme: ?Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO

The resulting furor over the incident has raised serious doubts over the BBL that would provide the framework for autonomy in the Muslim south. Some lawmakers who sponsored the bill withdrew their support for it after the incident.

The convenors organized four clusters that will lead discussions on the following topics, according to a press statement from the Citizen Peace Council: 1) constitutionality and forms and powers of government, to be chaired by Chief Justice Davide; 2) Justice, including social justice, and human development, to be co-chaired by former Ambassador Howard Dee and Honey Sumndad-Usman; 3) Economy and Patrimony, to be chaired by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and 4) Human Security.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Ayala said the Council intends to help the public understand what is at stake in the BBL, identify the contentions issues over the measure and “and help find a path towards reconciling divergent views.”

The other co-convenors of the council are: Archbishop Soc Villegas, Fr. Joel Tabora, Bishop Pablo David, Ms. Amina Rasul, Atty. Christian Monsod, Dean Sedfrey Candelaria, Dean Danilo Concepcion, Prof. Moner Bajunaid, Ms. Pat Sarenas, Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic, Dr. Cielito Habito, Mr. John Perrine, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, Bishop Tendero, Atty. Marlon Manuel, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, and Ramon del Rosario.

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Dee reminded council members in his closing statement: “Our overarching goal is peace with justice and development in Muslim Mindanao: a political peace settlement that addresses the injustices inflicted on the Bangsamoro religious, cultural and political identity as a people, as after all, they had their political identity before there was a Philippine nation; the human development of the Bangsamoro people by restoring their human rights and freedom to reverse their economic and social marginalization which has resulted in their human poverty level that is about twice the national average; a process of cultural and spiritual healing to overcome the deep-seated prejudices that continue to divide our people.”

The four clusters will be holding in-depth sessions in the coming days and are expected to finish discussions on April 18.

The overarching goal: peace in Mindanao

Peace Council for the BBL holds first meeting

Members of a peace council created by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to raise public awareness on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are buckling down to work after holding their first meeting this week in the capital city of Manila.

“The hard work begins after the BBL is passed,” former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said in his opening statement to the council composed of Catholic bishops, businessmen, civil society leaders, and peace advocates.

Aquino announced the creation of the council in his address to the nation on March 27, more than two months after the Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 operatives of the PNP-Special Action Force, 17 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and at least eight civilians.

Click on photo to read full report on creation of the peace council on Inquirer.net.

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

The police-led operation, codenamed Oplan Exodus, aimed to kill or capture three foreign-trained bombmakers who were in the most-wanted list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It triggered armed clashes among the SAF, MILF forces and other armed group in violation of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

Click on photo to read full speech of the President on March 27 during the anniversary of the first year of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year?s theme: ?Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO

The resulting furor over the incident has raised serious doubts over the BBL that would provide the framework for autonomy in the Muslim south. Some lawmakers who sponsored the bill withdrew their support for it after the incident.

The convenors organized four clusters that will lead discussions on the following topics, according to a press statement from the Citizen Peace Council: 1) constitutionality and forms and powers of government, to be chaired by Chief Justice Davide; 2) Justice, including social justice, and human development, to be co-chaired by former Ambassador Howard Dee and Honey Sumndad-Usman; 3) Economy and Patrimony, to be chaired by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and 4) Human Security.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Ayala said the Council intends to help the public understand what is at stake in the BBL, identify the contentions issues over the measure and “and help find a path towards reconciling divergent views.”

The other co-convenors of the council are: Archbishop Soc Villegas, Fr. Joel Tabora, Bishop Pablo David, Ms. Amina Rasul, Atty. Christian Monsod, Dean Sedfrey Candelaria, Dean Danilo Concepcion, Prof. Moner Bajunaid, Ms. Pat Sarenas, Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic, Dr. Cielito Habito, Mr. John Perrine, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, Bishop Tendero, Atty. Marlon Manuel, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, and Ramon del Rosario.

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Dee reminded council members in his closing statement: “Our overarching goal is peace with justice and development in Muslim Mindanao: a political peace settlement that addresses the injustices inflicted on the Bangsamoro religious, cultural and political identity as a people, as after all, they had their political identity before there was a Philippine nation; the human development of the Bangsamoro people by restoring their human rights and freedom to reverse their economic and social marginalization which has resulted in their human poverty level that is about twice the national average; a process of cultural and spiritual healing to overcome the deep-seated prejudices that continue to divide our people.”

The four clusters will be holding in-depth sessions in the coming days and are expected to finish discussions on April 18.

The overarching goal: peace in Mindanao

Peace Council for the BBL holds first meeting

Members of a peace council created by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III to raise public awareness on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are buckling down to work after holding their first meeting this week in the capital city of Manila.

“The hard work begins after the BBL is passed,” former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide Jr. said in his opening statement to the council composed of Catholic bishops, businessmen, civil society leaders, and peace advocates.

Aquino announced the creation of the council in his address to the nation on March 27, more than two months after the Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 operatives of the PNP-Special Action Force, 17 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and at least eight civilians.

Click on photo to read full report on creation of the peace council on Inquirer.net.

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 |Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau

The police-led operation, codenamed Oplan Exodus, aimed to kill or capture three foreign-trained bombmakers who were in the most-wanted list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. It triggered armed clashes among the SAF, MILF forces and other armed group in violation of the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

Click on photo to read full speech of the President on March 27 during the anniversary of the first year of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year?s theme: ?Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO

The resulting furor over the incident has raised serious doubts over the BBL that would provide the framework for autonomy in the Muslim south. Some lawmakers who sponsored the bill withdrew their support for it after the incident.

The convenors organized four clusters that will lead discussions on the following topics, according to a press statement from the Citizen Peace Council: 1) constitutionality and forms and powers of government, to be chaired by Chief Justice Davide; 2) Justice, including social justice, and human development, to be co-chaired by former Ambassador Howard Dee and Honey Sumndad-Usman; 3) Economy and Patrimony, to be chaired by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and 4) Human Security.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala | Photo from wikipedia.org

Ayala said the Council intends to help the public understand what is at stake in the BBL, identify the contentions issues over the measure and “and help find a path towards reconciling divergent views.”

The other co-convenors of the council are: Archbishop Soc Villegas, Fr. Joel Tabora, Bishop Pablo David, Ms. Amina Rasul, Atty. Christian Monsod, Dean Sedfrey Candelaria, Dean Danilo Concepcion, Prof. Moner Bajunaid, Ms. Pat Sarenas, Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic, Dr. Cielito Habito, Mr. John Perrine, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta, Bishop Tendero, Atty. Marlon Manuel, Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, and Ramon del Rosario.

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Cardinal Tagle | Photo from wikipedia.org

Dee reminded council members in his closing statement: “Our overarching goal is peace with justice and development in Muslim Mindanao: a political peace settlement that addresses the injustices inflicted on the Bangsamoro religious, cultural and political identity as a people, as after all, they had their political identity before there was a Philippine nation; the human development of the Bangsamoro people by restoring their human rights and freedom to reverse their economic and social marginalization which has resulted in their human poverty level that is about twice the national average; a process of cultural and spiritual healing to overcome the deep-seated prejudices that continue to divide our people.”

The four clusters will be holding in-depth sessions in the coming days and are expected to finish discussions on April 18.

Resume discussions on BBL

LEADERS of the MBC with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III | Photo from Makati Business Club website

LEADERS of the MBC with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, second from right | Photo from Makati Business Club website

BUSINESS leaders urged Congress to resume discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law as soon as possible as the nation marks the first anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The Makati Business Club also renewed its call for the government to put the peace process back on track as it reaffirmed its “continuing and unwavering support” for peace efforts that would put a stop to the conflict in the Philippine South.

Below is the full text of the MBC statement.

As the nation commemorates the first anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the Makati Business Club reaffirms its continuing and unwavering support for the Mindanao peace process, and we renew our call to the government to put the peace process back on track at the soonest possible opportunity.

To enhance the prospects for peace in Mindanao, we urge Congress to resume discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the earliest time. Consistent with the position released by 14 esteemed framers of the Constitution last 9 January 2015, MBC shares the belief that the Constitutional principles of genuine human development, social justice, and lasting peace underlie the CAB and, ultimately, the proposed BBL. In this context, we respectfully urge Congress to not allow revisions that would contravene these values nor run against the aspirations of the Filipino people to attain a just, harmonious, and progressive Philippines.

It has been more than two months since the Mamasapano incident. While the search for truth continues, we reiterate our stand that as the nation steadily moves forward from this tragedy, we must not allow political manipulation to take advantage of the legitimate grief and emotion that continues to pervade the public’s consciousness. Rather, sobriety, unity, and reason must be cemented as the guides that will steer efforts of government and the private sector towards genuine peace and in preserving the noteworthy gains that we have achieved in the last four-and-a-half years.

At this crucial juncture in the peace process, let us move forward with sobriety and courage as one united Filipino nation in search of Justice and Peace.