Statement of the Al-Qalam institute and the Salaam movement on the bicameral sessions for the Bangsamoro basic law

We, the Al-Qalam Institute for Islamic Identities and Dialogue and the Salaam Movement of the Ateneo de Davao University, demand that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law be approved by the bicameral committee.

To not do so would be an insult to the Moro people. We make this demand as the versions passed in the House and in the Senate are not up to par with the specifications of the BTC version. They have removed provisions on territory, self-ascription, form of government, and fiscal autonomy that are desperately needed to uplift the Bangsamoro people. This is unacceptable.

If enacted, the BTC version of the law would enable the Bangsamoro people to live according to their culture, tradition, and beliefs. It allows the nation to start healing from the decades of historical injustices, and amidst the present conflict happening. We only demand the respect and validation due to any Filipino citizen. Any law passed that is below the standards set by the BTC is disrespectful to the Bangsamoro people, and to the nation.

We, in the academe, enforce the BTC version as it is passed. Education is a key process in nation-building, as it allows us to mold Bangsamoro youth into leaders that will serve the people.

We in the Al-Qalam Institute and Salaam Movement are with the Bangsamoro people in this. The BTC version is the best first step towards a sustainable peace in Mindanao. It is in this spirit that we enjoin the Filipino people to come together, to empower the Bangsamoro people to take what should have historically belonged to them.