Groups reiterate call for passage of bill extending Bangsamoro transition
AS THE country observed听贰颈诲’濒听础诲丑补听or听the听Feast of Sacrifice听on Tuesday, the second most important festival in Islam, groups supporting the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro region reiterated their call for lawmakers to act on the necessary legislative amendment.听听
The Philippine听Misereor听Partnership, Inc.听鈥斕齛 network of more than 250 faith-based groups, non-governmental organizations, and people鈥s听organizations听听鈥斕齮eamed up with the UNDP-trained听Insider Mediators Group听for a forum highlighting the need to postpone the 2022 parliamentary elections in the regions.听听
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo, one of the speakers at the forum, explained the long list of听鈥渆ssential work during transition鈥澨齮hat remains unfinished.听
He said extending the transition period, which has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, would help听鈥渓evel the playing field鈥澨齠or all potential BARMM leaders when elections are postponed to 2025.听听听
In a separate statement, civic group One Bangsamoro Movement appealed to听President Rodrigo R. Duterte听to certify as urgent the proposed measures听extending the term of听the听BARMM听transition body.听
Presidential听Spokesperson听Herminio L. Roque, Jr. earlier said the President has taken a neutral stance on the proposal听鈥渁nd will let Congress fully discuss the matter and to decide accordingly.鈥听
Mr. Duterte, in his message on the听贰颈诲’濒听础诲丑补听celebration, said听he stands in solidarity with听the Filipino Muslim community听in pursuing听the听shared goal of听鈥渂uilding a society that transcends religious, political and cultural barriers.”听
鈥淭his听significant occasion continues to serve as a testament to the unyielding faith of the Muslim community,鈥澨齅r. Duterte said in his message.听鈥淚ts听narrative remains a fervent reminder to people that, even amidst life鈥s difficulties and challenges, our sacrifices听have profound value and meaning.鈥澨鈥斕齅arifi听S. Jara听and听Kyle听Aristophere听T.听Atienza听
