Statement of Senator Nancy Binay on the signing of the
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)

I, together with the rest of the Filipino people, welcome the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Lasting peace in Mindanao is what we are praying and working for. I am hoping that the historic signing will end the decades-long conflict, as the MILF has decided to lay down their arms. The signing is a big step towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the southern island of Mindanao, which is home to almost 22 million Filipinos.

Peace in Mindanao means saving many lives, especially women and children trapped in the conflicts. Peace in Mindanao also means saving the future of the people - Christian, Muslim and lumad - from the cycles of strife and displacement.

Fresh optimism and hope is in the air, especially here in the Senate. Congress will prioritize the proposed Bangsamoro basic law and is ready to answer the call of the Filipino people to end the war and for genuine progress to take root on the island.

We will give utmost priority to the proposed bill but we will thoroughly review the provisions of the proposed Bangsamoro basic law.