MANILA – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on Friday expressed hopes that the highly acclaimed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Thursday will create a big difference in the lives of people, especially those in conflict communities.
“We’ve always said that signing a peace agreement is a big achievement, but it only marks another stage,” she said during a media forum held at the Manila Hotel.
“We hope that it will find its way not just into the law but also into the lives of people,” added Deles, pointing out that the bigger challenge that lies ahead is delivering the commitments on the ground.
Deles added that the CAB should also translate into food on the table, better health, as well as market-related jobs, enabling people to lead better lives and determine their own future.
The CAB serves as the basis for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is now being drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission for submission to the President by end of March. Afterwards, the draft law will be presented to Congress for scrutiny and passage, and subjected to a plebiscite in the proposed Bangsamoro territory.
Once the BBL is ratified, an enhanced Bangsamoro autonomous region will be established, replacing the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Deles likewise reiterated the government’s commitment to deliver what it has signed.
“The commitment in the CAB stands for so much work that has already been done by the government and what it is still committed to do.”
“Tuwid na daan (straight path),” she said. “We don’t make false promises that we can’t deliver.”
20