Recto hails convening of 1st elected Bangsamoro parliament

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Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Saturday hailed the convening of the first duly elected Bangsamoro Parliament, calling it a "defining moment" in the region's historical push toward lasting peace and genuine self-governance.

In a statement, Recto expressed solidarity with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and emphasized the national significance of the democratic milestone.

“We join the Bangsamoro people and the nation as a whole in celebrating the convening of the first duly elected Bangsamoro Parliament,” the Palace official said.

“Let this be a parliament for peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.

Reflecting on the decade-long peace negotiations that paved the way for the region's autonomous parliamentary system, Recto cited the complex journey behind the achievement.

“The road to this day was neither straight nor easy. Negotiating panels came and went, progress was uneven, and every breakthrough required patience, difficult compromises, and a willingness to learn from what had not worked before,” he said.

“Yet the Bangsamoro people’s determination never wavered. Nor did the Republic’s commitment to seeing the peace process through,” he added.

With the transition to an elected legislative body complete, Recto called on leaders to focus on delivering tangible benefits to the region's residents through improved governance, social services, and economic opportunities.

“The task now is to ensure that the fruits of democracy are shared by all—through better public services, decent livelihoods, and greater opportunities for every Bangsamoro family,” he sas.

The executive secretary affirmed that the Marcos administration remains steadfast in supporting the BARMM to protect peace building efforts and resolve historical grievances.

“Together, we can build a Bangsamoro where peace endures, progress is shared, and every person is free to pray, work, love, and live as they wish,” Recto said. —VAL, GMA News