Press Release
April 30, 2012

STATEMENT OF SENATOR TEOFISTO "TG" GUINGONA III
ON THE GPH-MILF 10-POINT DECISION OF PRINCIPLES

When one sincerely believes that peace is possible, no conflict is too complicated for believers of peace to conquer and solve.

I commend the Peace panels of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, together with the third-party institutions involved, for coming up with the Decision Points of Principles for the GPH-MILF Peace Talks, as agreed upon during the 27thExploratory Talks held on April 24, 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I strongly support the efforts undertaken by both panels in coming up with the Ten-Point Decision of Principles, as they exhibit commitment to lasting and sustainable Peace in the Mindanao region. The issue of Peace in Mindanao is not just a concern of the Peace Panels, but also a concern of the general public; making peace, and ultimately development, possible for every Filipino.

I believe that for every statement of support, I am bound by my oath to express my commitments to the process of ensuring development and peace for the country.

First, as a legislator, I will continue to study the issue and listen to all possible views so that when the time comes that a law will be needed to reflect the aspirations of this entire process, I will be ready to participate in the process of creating such measure.

Second, as a Mindanaoan, I will continue to participate in and even lead consultations that have been, in my opinion, one of the most important reasons why progress has been made in the negotiations and in the broader aim of addressing the legitimate grievances and claims of the Bangsomoro people.

Third, and most important, as a Filipino, it is my duty to ensure that agreements reached will be beneficial to the Philippines and its citizens. The final agreement should be an agreement of the Filipino people and among Filipinos. Dapat maintindihan ng bawat Pilipino ang dahilan at ang hangarin kung bakit ginagawa natin ang mga ito.

We should understand that this Ten-Point Decision of Principles is not yet the Final Peace Agreement, but it lays out the general directions of the Peace negotiations undertaken by the Panels. Both of the Panels recognize the issues that surround the Peace situation, and on our part, we should recognize their efforts in making the process transparent for the general public to be concerned and involved with.

I am very optimistic that the efforts of the both panels will come into fruition soon, and that every Filipino will be with us in making Peace and Development possible for Mindanao and the entire Philippines.

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