SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. N o ..
74
DATE:'
tO  TIME:
BILLS & II
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER "COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE MINDANAO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN, SETTING 
TH E GUIDELINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We are all praying,working and striving for a just, inclusive and lasting peace. Peace and 
development have a symbiotic relationship. When there is peace, there is more development; and 
where there is development, the more likely that peace will last
History and experience have taught us time and again that lasting peace cannot be achieved 
through a peace agreement or settlement with one rebel group. Peace agreements have to be 
inclusive to be effective. Where there is peace, development is not far behind. There is a need to 
address the Mindanaoans’ legitimate grievances and ensure respect for and promotion of the rights 
and interests of all Filipinos, all Mindanaoans, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, and religion.
Achieving a just, genuine and lasting peace and development is a long and arduous process 
that addresses not only historical social inequity and injustice suffered by specific groups, but must 
also address the present social, political, and economic issues of the entire region and all its people. 
This is especially true in the modern world of nation-building with special focus on social, political 
and economic integration.
Thus, for genuine and lasting peace and development to be achieved and sustained, the 
framework must be broad-based and inclusive, not be selective and insular. True peace and 
development in Mindanao can only be achieved through a framework that is JUST, INCLUSIVE and 
LASTING.
fUST -  justice is an essential ingredient in any community. Equity and fairness should be the 
guiding principles in the prioritization and allocation of resources; settlement of disputes; 
remuneration and compensation of loss and damage; and imposition of sanctions and penalties.
INCLUSIVE -  Each stakeholder or affected individual, family and community should be 
given the opportunity to be informed and consulted. Each shall be given due consideration and 
sufficient opportunity to share his/her/its input, position and stand in the formulation and 
implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules, and other norms of governance.
LASTING -  Laws, policies, programs, rules, and other norms governing the conduct of 
stakeholders and affected parties should withstand temporary circumstances, changing conditions, 
and availablilty of resources. Peace agreements forged and tempered through the principles and 
justice and inclusivity should result in a lasting and not temporary peace, and lead to total human 
development and progress that will withstand changes in economic conditions, environmental 
situations, government leadership, legal amendments, and other changes within the region.
We are at a moment in our histoiy where we can choose to emerge from years of strife and 
conflict to a just, inclusive and lasting peace. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law gives the Moro 
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) several millions of lump sum funds in the form of a blank check. 
And with this blank check comes die risk of fund diversion, corruption, and waste. We have just