Marcos on Bangsamoro Parliament inaugural session: We won’t desert you

MANILA, Philippines —President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged the national government’s support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament as it convened its first session on Friday.

During the session, 79 of the 80 elected members of Parliament elected Abdulraof Macacua as chief minister, who will lead the regional government and oversee its development priorities.

One member could not attend the inaugural session because he was indisposed.

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READ: Bangsamoro parliament convenes with 79 members present

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The event marked a significant milestone in the region’s transition to regular parliamentary governance following its first parliamentary elections on September 14.

“To the people of the Bangsamoro, the national government stands with you. Your success is the country’s success. We will never abandon you,” Marcos promised in his speech at the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.

The president also reminded the Bangsamoro people to remember those who lost their lives during years of conflict as the region begins a new chapter.

“We also honor the leaders from every side of the table who listened to one another,” he said.

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“Because their efforts paved the way for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority,” the chief executive noted.

“Brothers and sisters, I come before you as your president and a man of a different faith. We may call upon God in different ways, yet we all ask for the same mercy, the same peace, and the same strength to do what is right,” Marcos told the audience.

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He also urged the new Parliament to uphold unity, statesmanship, and cooperation to build a more peaceful and progressive BARMM.

Moreover, he stressed that a stable government should enact laws and deliver programs and services responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro people, while ensuring the efficient and transparent use of public resources.

“To the members of this Parliament: Never forget the struggle that people have endured. Serve with humility. Carry the hopes of many generations and honor their sacrifices through good governance,” he said.

Marcos told the lawmakers that the elections were only the beginning, adding that the “hard part” will be operationalizing an effective parliamentary government.

“This achievement belongs to all who have been involved, from the organization of the political parties to the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections to this day – the first session of the first duly elected Bangsamoro Parliament,” he said.

During the proceedings, Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden, the Bangsamoro wali or ceremonial head, struck the gong to formally signal the opening of the session.

Director Jaime Ayub, the highest-ranking officer of the Secretariat from the Interim Parliament, then presided over the election of a temporary presiding officer to allow the body to proceed with its business.

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Member of Parliament (MP) Naguib Sinarimbo nominated MP Ishak Mastura for the position, and other members seconded the motion. /apl