Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh!
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) congratulates the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), headed by its Chief Minister, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim for the passage of the Bangsamoro Administrative Code (BAC) into law, which will define the structural, functional, and procedural principles and rules of governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This major milestone was achieved through the hard work, commitment and determination of the Bangsamoro Government. It is our hope that the passage of the BAC will pave the way for the enactment of other key legislation such as the Bangsamoro Revenue Code, Bangsamoro Electoral Code, Bangsamoro Local Government Code, and Bangsamoro Educational Code consistent with powers and prerogatives vested in the Bangsamoro Government by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Once passed, these codes will fully operationalize the BOL in order to reflect the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our Moro brothers and sisters.
The Duterte Administration shall continue to help capacitate the BARMM Government, particularly in the areas of leadership and governance, so that it would be able to unleash the full economic potential of the region. Having its own administrative code will now enable the Bangsamoro government to strengthen its political structures, systems and mechanisms, and consequently, result in a more inclusive, transparent and responsive bureaucracy in accordance with the Chief Minister’s focus on moral governance.
The BTA has been entrusted to carry out a crucial mandate by your people, and we are very pleased to see that you have delivered beyond expectations. Despite the challenges you faced during this unprecedented health crisis, you were able to craft a key piece of legislation that is expected to create a major impact on the socio-economic and socio-political development of the region.
With the passage of the BAC and the commitment of the BTA to ensure the accomplishment of the other priority legislations during the transition period, the implementation of the political-legislative track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) remains on schedule. We are confident that with this development, we are moving closer to our goal, which is the signing of the Exit Agreement between the government and the MILF by 2022.
The renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize peace.” The Bangsamoro people have turned away from armed struggle and have chosen the path of peace. We are happy to see that you are now finally reaping the fruits of your sacrifices.
Once again, congratulations to the BARMM government and the BTA for achieving another milestone in your quest for genuine peace and sustainable development!
