On Eid’l Fitr, senators hope BBL will become law

Mara Cepeda

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

On Eid’l Fitr, senators hope BBL will become law

Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

The lawmakers believe the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is pending at the bicameral conference committee level in Congress, will bring peace in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – Several senators are hoping for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan on Friday, June 15. 

The senators said they want the spirit of Eid’l Fitr to encourage Filipinos to continue promoting peace and unity in the country. (READ: Duterte hopes for unity vs ‘misguided ideologies’ on Eid’l Fitr)

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate already approved their versions of the BBL, but the bills are way different from the original version proposed by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. 

Lawmakers are set to reconcile their BBL versions during the bicameral conference committee meetings set to be held from July 9 to 13. (READ: Final version of BBL holds fate of Mindanao peace process

Read below senators’ messages for Eid’l Fitr: 

Senator Joel Villanueva:

“Our work in the Senate has pushed us to craft a Bangsamoro Basic Law that is genuinely inclusive and will truly bring lasting peace in Mindanao.  

“Rest assured that we are one with you in this endeavor to see a better and prosperous future not only for our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters but also for the whole nation.”

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara:

“Today’s celebration comes at a very auspicious time as the country is close to finally achieving peace and unity in Mindanao which we are all wishing for as a nation and bring progress and prosperity that the region truly deserves.” 

Senator Loren Legarda

“May this legislative measure, once enacted into law, bring us closer to fulfilling our dream for peace, not just for our Muslim brothers, but for every Filipino. I hope that the objectives of the law can be realized, and that the challenges ahead will be overcome for the sake of the millions of Filipinos who deserve peace and security.”

Senator Francis Pangilinan:

“May the lessons of Ramadan remind us to remain steadfast in the pursuit of our goals as a nation, fortified by the common values that unite us in our humanity and reinforced by the obligations that people of all faiths have on one another.  

Senator Grace Poe:

“This occasion comes at a propitious time as we remain steadfast in our goal of achieving lasting peace and prosperity. It is our fervent hope that through the Eid’l Fitr, we will emerge as better citizens prepared to face new challenges in our personal lives and as a nation.” 

Senator Leila de Lima:

“Sa panahon ng patuloy na karahasan, pagyurak sa ating mga karapatan, at pagtatanim ng duda sa ating pananampalataya, nagkalat ang tukso para pumanig na lamang sa mali at kalimutan na ang ating mga pagpapahalaga.

“Subalit pinatutunayan ng mga okasyong tulad nito, na basta’t matibay ang ating pananampalataya, hindi tayo mawawalan ng pag-asa na malampasan ang anumang hamon.” – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Clothing, Apparel, Person

author

Mara Cepeda

Mara Cepeda specializes in stories about politics and local governance. She covers the Office of the Vice President, the Senate, and the Philippine opposition. She is a 2021 fellow of the Asia Journalism Fellowship and the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship of the UN. Got tips? Email her at mara.cepeda@rappler.com or tweet @maracepeda.