Thursday, September 17, 2015

MILF: A Peace Exhibit on the Bangsamoro Basic Law

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 16): A Peace Exhibit on the Bangsamoro Basic Law

“You only live twice or so it seems
one life for yourself and one for your dreams.”


This is the first line of the song of the same title and of the film of the same title. It is the fifth spy film in the James Bond series, and the fifth to star Sean Connery as the fictional M16 agent James Bond.

I likened this afternoon activity to one real life for the BBL simply because we have with us the main pillars of the Lower House of Congress, the Honourable Speaker Sonny Belmonte Jr. and, of course, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, Honourable Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, as well as the other stalwarts of the Lower House whose hands one half of the fate of the BBL are put firmly.

Frankly, I never imagined the BBL as one of a dream, as the song says so, because President Benigno Aquino III, as well as the leaders of Congress have long committed to have peace reign in Mindanao and to pass a good law in the form of the BBL to solve the armed conflict in Mindanao. Up to now, despite the difficulties and rigorous process we see in the House especially, I still trust the collective wisdom of Congress to pass this law.

In the first part of the program, a supposed video presentation was made. The title is “Who are the Bangsamoro”. If I were to answer that question I would say the Bangsamoro are Filipinos, all rooted in the Malayo-Polynesian sub-race of the great Mongoloid race. Examine our more than 100 dialects, all the basic terms are practically the same or similar with each other. For instance, a Maguindanaon, Maranao, or Iranon, or even a Tausog --- of course with slight variations --- would count: isa, dua, telo, pat, lima, nem, pito, walo, siyao, sapulo, while a Tagalog or some other tribes would say: isa, dalawa, tatlo, apat, lima, anim, pito, walo, siyam, sampo. Being a Bangsamoro does not confer extra privileges to the Bangsamoro except a matter of identity, as all of us are either known as Ilocano, Ilonggo, Pampanggo, Igorots, Bisaya, etcetera; or in the larger sense, as Filipinos or Indigenous peoples.

It just happen that we are Muslims, most Filipinos are Christians, and the IPS are basically clinging to their traditional beliefs. But for us Muslims, this is no reason to divide us or cause of debate. In Islam, this issue was settled by the Qur’an 1,400 years ago by this surah: “There is no compulsion in religion; unto you your religion and unto me my religion.” Where therefore is the issue of religious conflict as far as we are concern?

To me, our diversity is a blessing rather than what other people might think otherwise. Remember the rainbow; it is very beautiful. It is made up of seven colours: Red, orange, yellow, green, violet, indigo, and blue. Also remember of an orchestra or even this ensemble. There are so many players, each touching a particular key of different sounds but in the end, they make music.

Finally, let me hope that this exhibit is the best evidence that the BBL is alive and kicking. The problem with the lck of quorum is a fleeting one and eventually this will be addressed by the House leadership. I have full trust and confidence that the House leadership will be able to address this soon.
Thank you and good afternoon.

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Mohagher Iqbal’s Message during the Peace Exhibit on the Bangsamoro Basic Law at the Gallery of the Lower House of Congress in Quezon City on September 15, 2015.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/world-sport/item/570-a-peace-exhibit-on-the-bangsamoro-basic-law

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