Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues supporting efforts in promoting long-term peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). For this reason, Go, during the plenary session on Tuesday, December 6, asked the Senate to insert in the records his support for the establishment of the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum.
Considered one of the legacies of the Duterte government, BARMM was formed after the ratification in 2019 of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which is pursuant to a peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Former president Rodrigo Duterte said the BOL will help a lot in securing elusive peace in Mindanao.
As part of the interventions to help the Bangsamoro, the BOL mandates that a Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum shall be created for purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives. It aims to forge closer relations between the national and Bangsamoro government.
Go cited how his fellow Mindanaons have been struggling with injustice and social inequity throughout the years. He then expressed his confidence that the establishment of the forum will effectively harmonize the legislative priorities of the National and Bangsamoro government, which will in turn benefit the Bangsamoro region.
“I would like to associate myself with the Senate Concurrent Resolution establishing the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro parliament forum,” remarked Go.
“Through this initiative, I believe that we could strengthen our support to the Bangsamoro and take a step closer to attaining long lasting peace in Mindanao. Dahil din po dito ay matutulungan din natin ang ating mga kababayan to address their concerns lalo na po’t andun pa din ang birth pains sa pagkakatatag nito,” he noted.
Senator Go likewise reaffirmed that the said initiative will significantly help sustain former president Duterte’s legacy of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos.
“To ensure the long-term development of the region, let us continue to work hand in hand with the Bangsamoro government. Sa pamamagitan po nitong inisyatibong ito ay ma-ipagpapatuloy po natin ang pangakong binitawan ni dating pangulong Duterte at ng inyong lingkod na mabigyan ng maginhawa at komportableng buhay ang bawat Pilipino,” Go said.
“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa mga kapatid natin sa Mindanao upang tuluyang makamit ang inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang para sa mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao kundi para sa buong Pilipinas,” he committed.
Furthermore, the senator reaffirmed his pledge to continue advocating for long-lasting peace and prosperity in the region that has endured decades of historical injustice.
“Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa mga kapatid natin sa BARMM at kapatid nating Muslim upang tuluyang makamit natin ang inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Importante sa akin ang kapayapaan,” underscored Go.
“Suportado po natin ang BARMM dahil isa itong mahalagang hakbang para makamit natin ang matagal nang hinahangad na kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang para sa mga kapatid nating Muslim kundi sa buong Mindanao,” he ended.
As the Muslim community continues to grow in Metro Manila, Go also reaffirmed that he will persevere in providing them necessary support, citing how every Filipino deserves equal opportunities.
He also offered to help those who wish to go back to their respective provinces through the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program. The initiative aims to decongest Metro Manila and other big metropolitan areas by encouraging investments and promoting economic opportunities in all regions to motivate Filipinos to reside in their provinces. ###