President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. (PBBM) delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA—In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. (PBBM) underscored the remarkable strides made in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The President’s address highlighted key developments and commitments which signify a transformative period for the region.
President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s dedication to honoring and fully complying with its remaining deliverables and commitments under the peace agreements.
“The implementation of peace agreements is now on its concluding phase. Former combatants now live peaceful and productive lives in their respective communities,” the President stated.
Notably, the President emphasized the significant progress in Marawi’s rehabilitation: “In Marawi, the rehabilitation and rebuilding continue—now under the supervision of the Office of the President. Our focus remains on restoring energy, water, and livable communities.”
The President also noted the impressive economic and social developments in BARMM, with investments increasing by 140 percent year-on-year and a notable decrease in the poverty index since 2018.
“In such a short period, the BARMM has impressively established the strong foundation for its progressive autonomous social development,” President Marcos Jr. said.
Further, he highlighted the activation of all seven intergovernmental mechanisms of BARMM and the enactment of five out of seven essential laws by the BTA Parliament.
“With these inspiring developments, the BARMM appears prepared and ready for its first regular elections in 2025,” the President added.
BARMM Leaders’ Reaction
Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim of BARMM expressed his gratitude and optimism in response to the President’s address.
“We are encouraged by the President’s acknowledgment of our achievements, including his promise to honor the peace agreements. His focus on the rehabilitation of Marawi and support for former combatants reflect a strong commitment to our shared goals and the development of our region.”
Ebrahim also commended the President’s emphasis on the activation of intergovernmental mechanisms and the enactment of essential laws.
“These milestones are crucial for advancing our governance and autonomy. We look forward to continued collaboration with the national government to build on these successes and work towards a prosperous and peaceful future for the Bangsamoro people.”
Finally, Ebrahim shares the optimism of the President on the readiness of the BARMM for its first parliamentary elections in 2025. He thanks the Marcos administration for the support to the BARMM and the latter’s leadership.
Meanwhile, BARMM Spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun also expressed positive response to the President’s address.
“As Bangsamoro, we are pleased with what was presented in the President’s SONA, especially the emphasis on the commitment and achievements of BARMM under his administration,” he said.
“We view this as a positive sign and take it as motivation to move forward in preparation for the first parliamentary elections,” Pendatun, who is also the region’s cabinet secretary, said.
The BARMM leadership remains committed to collaborating with the national government to further advance the region’s development and achieve lasting peace and progress.
Meanwhile, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Datu Muslimin Sema shared his thoughts on the President’s address, specifically regarding the implementation of the remaining agreements in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“When he [PBBM] mentioned about the commitment to pursue the full implementation of the peace agreements that the national government and the revolutionary organizations such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), I was happy because this has been our demand for so long that all signed agreements will be implemented.”
He also expressed his hopes on the implementation of the amnesty for the former rebels to restore their civil and political rights.
“That’s another very good development because amnesty is part of the peace process that we also have signed, [and ] that will give opportunity for our brothers who have been charged,” Sema said.
In November 2023, PBBM granted amnesty to the ex-Moro rebels—the MILF and the MNLF—under Proclamation Nos. 405 and 406, respectively, in furtherance of the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“We are waiting for the implementation of this amnesty as it will help to the success of the peace process,” he stressed. (Aisah Abas/BIO)
