MEDIA STATEMENT OF SEN. TG GUINGONA
ON CEREMONIAL OPENING OF TRANSITION COMMISSION

TODAY is Day One of the Transition Commission. In less than two years after today, the Moro aspiration for self-determination and self-governance will come true.

The task of the Transition Commission is to define the people's sentiments and shape an inclusive, participatory, and empowering Bangsamoro institution. Its output is the Bangsamoro Basic Law, as approved by Philippine Congress and ratified by the people of core territories, which will govern autonomy in Muslim Mindanao.

The Transition Commission will give birth to the highest form of autonomy ever attained in the Philippines. It is the defining moment of peace in Mindanao, which has eluded us in almost half-a-century of strife.

At this point, nothing could ever deter Filipinos from realizing peace in the shortest time possible. Peace and progress is finally dawning on a people so wronged by history that not even the standoff in Sabah is reason to stop.

We remain one with our Muslim brothers in the conviction that the issue of peace always precedes issues of war.