PASAY CITY, 23 August 2023 – The Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF) convened for the second time under the Marcos administration, with officials of the national and regional legislative bodies committing to work even more closely to ensure the passage of quality laws that will uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Sec. Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo, Jr., as represented by OSAP Undersecretary Joahna Paula A. Domingo, emphasized the significance of the forum, which “cannot be overstated, as it provides a crucial platform for legislators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, perspectives, and solutions.”

“Recognizing the complex challenges faced by the Bangsamoro Region, I firmly believe that inclusive discussions such as these play a pivotal role in shaping policies and charting a path towards a progressive and effective BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” Domingo said.

In her opening message, Sen. Loren Legarda noted that the PCBPF provides an effective platform to discuss crucial legislation and ensure their passage.

“As we navigate the process of government transition, we recognize the importance of enhancing programs through effective cooperation of legislative initiatives suited to the specific needs of the region. We remain committed to our efforts and continue to work together toward common goals,” she said.

For his part, Rep. Yasser A. Balindong said the forum allows both sides to thoroughly discuss pressing legislation that need to be immediately acted upon.

“In our interaction, we shall see the common points of our legislative initiatives. We shall see the common areas where we can coordinate and cooperate for the purpose of achieving our common goals,” Balindong said.

Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker MP Pangalian Balindong​​ affirmed the Bangsamoro Parliament’s commitment in carrying out its duties during the extended transition period.

“…as we stand at the crossroads of our collective destiny, please be assured that the Bangsamoro Parliament is committed to the task at hand. We are determined to fulfil every obligation and responsibility put upon us during this transition period with the highest diligence and integrity. Our commitment to long-term peace, genuine progress, and inclusive development is firm,” Balindong​​ remarked.

Sen. Legarda, Rep. Balindong and Speaker Balindong serve as co-chairs of the PCBPF.

Extension of amnesty application period

In his report to the body, Presidential Assistant and Intergovernmental Relations Body Secretariat Head Atty. Wilben M. Mayor provided updates on the ongoing efforts to extend the application period of Proclamations Nos. 1090, 1091, and 1092 s. 2021.

The proclamations cover the applications for amnesty of members of rebel groups, which include the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, and Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group or KAPATIRAN, as well as the granting of amnesty to former members of the Communist Terrorists Group.

According to Mayor, following the pronouncements of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr during his State of the Nation Address on July 24 and consistent with the national government’s commitment to the transformation process of former rebels, the OPAPRU submitted a memorandum to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. requesting for the issuance of a proclamation for the said extension period.

The body also designated members from both the Upper and Lower Chambers to the Technical Working Groups (TWG) to discuss and recommend next steps to the PCBPF in the formulation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the PCBPF and its Secretariat; study the required actions of the Philippine Congress in relation to the proposed extension of the application period for amnesty of former rebels; look at the possibility of suspending the effectivity of Section 8, Article X of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on the requirement of regular membership to the Philippine Bar as a qualification to be appointed as judge of the Shari’ah Circuit Court; and discuss the issue on laws enacted regarding the upgrading of hospitals within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Meanwhile, Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. bared the OPAPRU is in close coordination with the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs to finalize the proclamation.

Galvez also urged the Senate and House of Representatives to immediately ratify and concur the said proclamations.

Strengthening ties

The PCBPF is one of the eight intergovernmental relations (IGR) mechanisms as provided under Article VI of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

It is created for, “the purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives.”

Through this platform, the Philippine Congress and the Bangsamoro Parliament shall be able to discuss, coordinate, create, and implement legislative measures and other policies that aim to help ensure the smooth transition of the Bangsamoro government before the first regular BARMM election scheduled in 2025. ###