PEACE AND UNITY. Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) leads the ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree in front of the main building of the House of Representatives on Monday night (Dec. 4, 2023). Romualdez said the House is committed to promoting peace and unity in the country. (Photo courtesy of the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau)
MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to promote peace and unity in the country and to make life better for Filipinos.
During the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the House premises in the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, Romualdez said the weekend tragedies in Mindanao, particularly the bombing in Marawi City, serves as "stark reminders" that the chamber's work is not yet done.
He said the House’s task of "bridging divisions, providing security and comfort to our countrymen, and paving the way for enlightened unity continues.”
"That we, at the House of Representatives as a nation-loving institution, will not waver, that we will remain steadfast in our solemn duty to be shining lights for peace, comfort, security, understanding, and unity for our country,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez also reiterated his support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to reopen talks for peace negotiations.
He said the President's initiative is a "bold move towards healing and unity", reflecting the government's dedication to resolving long-standing conflicts through dialogue and understanding.
"This courageous step towards reconciliation is a testament to our government's commitment to enduring peace and unity, which are the cornerstones of our nation's development and progress," he said. "The path to peace is often complex and challenging, but it is a journey worth undertaking for the future of the Philippines."
He urged the government, civil society, and the public to come together to support this peace process.
"It is through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment to peace that we can overcome the barriers of the past and build a stronger, more united Philippines," he said.
He said this negotiation is an opportunity to "mend the fissures" that have long divided the country, stressing that it is a moral imperative and more than just a political maneuver.
"We are not just negotiating terms; we are weaving the fabric of a peaceful future for every Filipino. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds, fostering an environment where peace can flourish," he said.
"Together, under President Marcos’s leadership, we shall strive towards a Philippines that is not only prosperous but also harmonious and united in its diversity," he added.
Review MSU charter
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong has urged the House to review the charter of the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, its current security plans and policies, and all relevant laws affecting the peace and order situation in the area.
"It is essential to be cognizant of the sheer size of the campus and the unique situation of MSU as the premier state university of the region. In recognizing the complexity and difficulty of this issue, let us spare no effort to assist MSU," Adiong said in a privilege speech on Monday. "How may we, through the tools available to us, improve MSU's capability to prevent such tragedies from ever occurring again?"
Adiong condemned the attack as "deliberate" and "heinous", as he echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s remark that the bombing incident was the "latest assault on peace".
He emphasized that the MSU should not be made a "launching pad for destabilization" of the region and the nation.
He described the MSU as a premier state university of Mindanao that has been long recognized as the "melting pot of Mindanao, a haven for diversity, and a symbol of unity among various cultures, regions, and ethnicities".
"To attack a university is to attack not just the present but the very future. It strikes at hope. To sow discord and terror to a university is to degrade the fundamental fabric of Mindanao," he said.
"The bombing of the Sunday mass strikes not only at the heart of our educational institution but also at the very essence of the peaceful coexistence we have strived to cultivate among our diverse student body," he added. (PNA)
