Escudero calls first elected Bangsamoro Parliament a milestone for peace

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Saturday welcomed the convening of the first elected Bangsamoro Parliament, describing it as a historic step in the country's peace-building efforts, according to Edge Davao.

The parliament held its inaugural session the day before Escudero's statement. The senator said the occasion showed how far the region had come in turning decades of conflict into chances for peace, stability and self-governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Escudero congratulated Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and the parliament's members. He urged them to work together to advance the interests and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

He said the installation of the region's first elected parliamentary government opens a new chapter in Bangsamoro self-governance. It follows years of institution-building under the peace process between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"This is a victory not only for the Bangsamoro people but for the entire country," Escudero said. He added that peace pursued through dialogue, patience and cooperation can produce stronger institutions and more empowered communities.

The senator said he was confident the new parliament would build on gains made during the transition period. He expects it to boost economic growth, improve public services and widen opportunities for Bangsamoro communities.

Escudero said the democratic transition should ultimately be measured by its effect on ordinary households. "The true success of this democratic transition will be measured by how it improves the daily lives of ordinary Bangsamoro families," he said.