HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader and Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan on Sunday backed the resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from May 2022 to May 2025 with a strong call on its officials of the autonomous government to deliver its promised inclusive and sustainable economic development for the people and in the region.

Sangcopan said she supported the ratification of House Bill (HB) No. 10121, which amends the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) by resetting the scheduled BARMM poll since this is the best move for the Bangsamoro people in the meantime.

“Again, Anak Mindanao (AMIN) party-list, through this representation, votes yes to the draft substitute bill for House Bill number 10121 with strong advisement that the Regional Government will be as inclusive and encompassing as well as compassionate and well-meaning for the people of BARMM,” Sangcopan said.

“I am giving my vote out of more than a simple desire to give the Bangsamoro Government the chance to deliver on their promises to the people. Mainly, I am casting my vote so that all people in the Bangsamoro region will receive the support and help they need, especially in these trying times. Kailangan ng mga mamayan ng BARMM ang kagyat nating pagtulong,” Sangcopan said.

“Though I still feel trepidation, I cannot accept that my apprehensions will cause even a minute of delay in the delivery of vital services to our people.

As strong as my personal conviction is on this matter, I raise all these to Allah and ask Him to bless the future of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. I pray to Allah, that He give our leaders the wisdom and vision that will wield the will of the people to better the future of our children, their children’s children, and the Bangsamoro generations that our minds can foresee,” Sangcopan pointed out.

“Lakipan po natin ng dasal ang bawat boto natin sa panukalang batas na to, na ating ipinasa ngayon. Nawa’y ito ay makakatulong ng lubos sa mga kabataan, kababaihan at mga pamilyang higit na apektado ng hirap at pagdurusa sa autonomous region,” Sangcopan stressed.

Sangcopan recalled that Amin has “been a supportive ally to the Bangsamoro cause and that is a statement of fact.”

“Mula po sa usapin ng MOA-AD hanggang sa Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro na nilagdaan noong October 2012 at naging Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsomoro, nanatiling kaisa ang AMIN sa katuparan nito. Isa po ito sa mga nagsikap upang maisakatuparan ang mga nilalaman ng Bangsamoro Organic Law maging sa loob at labas ng Kongreso,” Sangcopan recalled.

“Ito ay aming ipinaglaban because we, like most of those who are here, fervently believe that the Bangsamoro Organic Law embodies the promises of peace and prosperity in, and for, the Bangsamoro region. Kasama ninyo kami sa pag-aasam ng pangakong kapayapaan at katahimikan sa BARMM. Kasama ninyo kami sa pangarap ng inclusivity at pagkakaroon ng pantay-pantay na pagtingin, maging ika’y Moro, Kristiano o Lumad,” Sangcopan said.

“At isa po sa tinatayuan naming prinsipyo sa pagsisilbi sa bayan ang masiguro na ang boses ng tatlong katauhan sa Mindanao na Moro, Lumad or Indigenous Peoples, at mga kapatid nating settlers, ay nadidinig, narerepresenta, at nabibigyan ng pantay-pantay na importansya. The Indigenous Peoples, most especially the non-Moro IPs, all pursue the dream of recognition, and the protection of their rights; the rightful claim to their ancestral domains, the right to self-determination, and meaningful representation in the Bangsamoro Government,” she said.

“With them, we also look forward to having the Bangsamoro Government hear their causes and laments. With them, we too are waiting for solutions that will address their needs so they can live lives that are free of harassment, violence, displacement and famine. With them, we too want inclusive governance where the commitment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Government is clear, transparent, sincere, and just. Hinahanap ko po ang pangakong kapayapaan at katahimikan para sa mga non-Moro IPs sa BARMM. Hinahanap ko po ang pag-tugon ng Bangsamoro Government sa kanilang mga hinaing at mahirap na kalagayan. Hinahanap ko po ang inclusive governance na ipinangako at inasahan ng lubos sa mga kumunidad ng mga Lumad. Hinahanap ko po ang sinseridad sa pagbibigay ng importansya sa ating mga Lumad bilang bahagi ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” Sangcopan ended.

Earlier, Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said he voted “yes” to approve the bill, but not without reservations.

“The Bangsamoro Dream is bigger than my misgivings. The Bangsamoro Dream is bigger than any individual agenda – at umaasa tayo na lahat ng mga kasama natin ay kakapit din sa parehong paninindigan. Higit ang Bangsamoro sa sino man sa atin. Bangsamoro, higit sa sarili,” Hataman said.