There is no higher priority than peace, no enduring legacy than justice—Akbayan
AKBAYAN Party today lauded the Aquino government’s resolve to pursue peace in Mindanao, particularly the administration’s recently concluded high level meeting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Tokyo, calling it a ‘strong commitment for a just and sustainable peace in Mindanao.’
“There is no higher priority than peace, no enduring legacy than giving justice to the Bangsamoro cause,” said Akbayan Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, who hails from Mindanao.
Akbayan earlier supported the move of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in synchronizing the ARMM elections to 2013 and appointing officers-in-charge.
“The ARMM election synchronization is a transition to a transition – that of putting in reforms in governance while firming up a peace deal before 2013,” stated Tom Villarin, Akbayan Mindanao Commission chairperson.
Akbayan, however, warned that striking a lasting peace agreement would not be a “walk in the park” as there are “spoilers” out to sabotage any deal with the Bangsamoro.
“We have to deal with vested interests who want a military solution to the Mindanao problem. Politicians who have vested interests in Mindanao will also oppose any peace deal with the Moro rebels,’ said Villarin.
Akbayan, however, is also cautious about heightened expectations and the need to have a strategic framework that will address poverty, marginalization and economic development for Mindanao especially at a time of an impending global economic crisis.
In1996, a peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front anchored on peace and development was signed but its implementation hampered by the 1997 Asian financial crisis and later an all-out war policy by succeeding administrations under Estrada and Arroyo. It also led to the incarceration of Chairman Nur Misuari who again rose up in arms over the failure of the peace agreement.
About The Author
Noemi Lardizabal-Dado
Noemi Lardizabal-Dado is a Content Strategist with over 16 years experience in blogging, content management, citizen advocacy and media literacy and over 26 years in web development. Otherwise known as @MomBlogger on social media, she believes in making a difference in the lives of her children by advocating social change for social good. She is a co-founder and a member of the editorial board of Blog Watch . She is a resource speaker on media literacy, social media , blogging, digital citizenship, good governance, transparency, parenting, women’s rights and wellness, and cyber safety. Her personal blogs such as aboutmyrecovery.com (parenting) , pinoyfoodblog.com (recipes), techiegadgets.com (gadgets) and benguetarabica.coffee keep her busy outside of Blog Watch. Disclosure: I am an advocate. I am NOT neutral. I will NOT give social media mileage to members of political clans, epal, a previous candidate for the same position and those I believe are a waste of taxpayers' money. I do not support or belong to any political party. I was part of accredited media covering the Office of the Vice President and Leni Robredo as she ran as a presidential aspirant in the 2022 National and local elections. On August 5, 2021, YouTube announced that I was selected as one of 50 Program participants of its Creator Program for Independent Journalists She was a Senior Consultant for ALL media engagements for the PCOO-led Committee on Media Affairs & Strategic Communications (CMASC) under the ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council from January 4 -July 5, 2017. Having been an ASEAN advocate since 2011, she has written extensively about the benefits of the ASEAN community and as a region of opportunities on Blog Watch and aboutmyrecovery.com. Organization affiliation includes Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation Updated June 6, 2022