Pangalian Balindong

Last updated

The Honourable
Pangalian Balindong
Pangalian M. Balindong BTA2 profile.jpg
Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament
Assumed office
29 March 2019

Born to a Muslim Moro family in Pualas, Lanao del Sur on 1 January 1940, Balindong is the eldest son of Sultan Amer Macaorao Balindong, former mayor of the Municipality of Malabang, and Hajjatu Maimona Marohom Balindong. He studied at the Malabang Central Elementary School and graduated in 1954. He then went to Our Lady of Peace High School and graduated in 1958. He took up Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science at the Manuel L. Quezon University and graduated in 1962. He studied law at the same university and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.). He pursued further studies later and earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Mindanao State University.

Career

Balindong engaged in private legal practice and served as legal counsel for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which works for peace initiatives with the government. In 1971, he joined the Philippine Constitutional Convention representing the Lone District of Lanao del Sur. He started his political career when he held the post of Assemblyman from 1990 to 1993 representing the 2nd District of Lanao del Sur and was elected as Speaker of the Regional Legislative Assemblyman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) between 1991 and 1993. [3]

In 1995, Balindong ran and was elected as the congressional representative of the 2nd congressional district of Lanao del Sur during the 10th Congress. He ran again in 2007 and became a representative during the 14th, 15th, and 16th Congresses. In 2013, he rose to the deputy speaker post of the House of Representatives until 2016. [4] [2] [3]

In 2018, under Executive Order No. 10, Balindong was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as a member of the 25-member Consultative Committee to Review the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a committee composed of former government officials, veteran lawyers, and academicians tasked by Duterte to craft a federal constitution. [5]

Key legislation

Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)

For most of his political life, Balindong advocated the age-old quest for self-determination of Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao. He introduced and authored the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which was later renamed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), in the 16th Congress. During a privilege speech, he stated that he had always believed that such a measure would be essential in ushering unity in Mindanao and the entire country, where Filipino Muslims, Christians, Lumads, and virtually all sectors of the Filipino society could live in harmony, peace, and inclusive prosperity. This to him would mark the end of a 400-year struggle for independence and at the same guarantee every Muslim's right to life, property, and prosperity. [6] [7]

During the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, the BOL was passed by the Philippine Senate on 23 July 2018, passed by the House of Representatives on 24 July 2018, and signed into law by Duterte on 26 July 2018. The law provided for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. [8]

The Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act

During the 16th Congress, Balindong filed House Bill No. 4832 or “The Moro History, Culture and Identity Studies Act", which would mandate the teaching of Moro history, culture, and identity in the higher education curriculum in the entire country. This bill passed the House of Representatives [9] but did not reach the Senate.

Balindong has sought to highlight the ethnicity, shared origins or commonalities between Muslims and non-Muslims to foster respect and positive relationships between minority and majority groups. [10] [9]

Balindong said, “While Filipino and Muslim cultures may have differences, it is a fact that they are bound by a common heritage, the land they call the Philippines, and they have a lot in common, on top of which, is the clamor for peace.” Though Filipino and Muslim cultures have differences, peace is attainable through understanding, respect, and tolerance for cultural and religious diversities. [11]

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act

Another vital legislative initiative Balindong sponsored is Republic Act No. 9997, also known as the “National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009”, which was enacted into law on February 8, 2010. This act created the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) that is mandated to preserve and develop the culture, tradition, institutions, and well-being of Muslim Filipinos in conformity with the country's laws and in consonance with national unity and development. [12]

House Bill No. 1447

Balindong filed and lobbied for House Bill No. 1447, which prohibits the use of the words “Muslim” or “Christian” in mass media to describe any person suspected of or convicted for committing criminal or unlawful actions. He argued that if the media puts labels on suspects and convicted criminals regarding their nationality, ethnicity, and religious affiliation it fosters negative bias to people who share their affiliation, affecting the collective image of such groups. He cites that there is negative reception whenever other countries branded a housemaid as Pinay for the simple reason that there are so many Filipino women workers working as maids. “Why then is our media doing the same to our Muslim countrymen? Indeed, our Muslim brothers are a minority among the Filipino majority, but should be treated with the same respect and privileges as any other Batangueño, Visayan or other Filipino citizens.” [13] [14]

Synchronized National and Local Elections Act

This act synchronizes ARMM elections with the national elections which started with the 2013 elections. [15]

Principles and Ideals

In one of his privilege speeches Balindong said, "If some sector of society stands in the way of peace and progress, something must be done to make them toe the line. Being at odds with one another is not contributing to progress despite the claim of economic gains brought about by the appreciation of the Peso." He added that whatever it is that something must be given, it must be sincere so that there would be no need to go back every now and then to the negotiating table, thus, there will no longer have reason to fight each other again. "Unity must not be dictated. The unity needed must come from the Moro, and not dictated by somebody else but by the events of the day." [16]

Balindong believes in the power of elixir of eternal youth, and that is found in obedience to the principles of the Qur'an and love of service. When he decided to run for the Provincial Governor position, he looked at it not as a personal or political ambition, but an extension of his desire to continue serving the people and his beloved Philippines. To him, public service is not as a job or work; it is a way of life.

Balindong, having gone through the crucibles of life, both personal and professional, acknowledges that experience is the best teacher of life. With such principles, he deserves without a doubt to continue serving the people and will continue to serve in whatever capacity he can.

When the BBL failed to pass into law, Balindong lamented it because the next generation will inherit the vicious cycle of war and peace and all efforts, public hearings, and debates were all thrown into the wastebasket. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cotabato</span> Province in Soccsksargen, Philippines

Cotabato or North Cotabato, officially the Province of Cotabato, is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Soccsksargen region in Mindanao. Its capital is the city of Kidapawan. Some of its barangays are under the jurisdiction of the nearby Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao</span> 1989–2019 autonomous region of the Philippines

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was an autonomous region of the Philippines, located in the Mindanao island group of the Philippines, that consisted of five predominantly Muslim provinces: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. It was the only region that had its own government. The region's de facto seat of government was Cotabato City, although this self-governing city was outside its jurisdiction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maranao people</span> Austronesian ethnic group of the northern Philippines

The Maranao people, also spelled Meranao, Maranaw, and Mëranaw, is a predominantly Muslim Filipino ethnic group native to the region around Lanao Lake in the island of Mindanao. They are known for their artwork, weaving, wood, plastic and metal crafts and epic literature, the Darangen. They are ethnically and culturally closely related to the Iranun, and Maguindanao, all three groups being denoted as speaking Danao languages and giving name to the island of Mindanao. They are grouped with other Moro people due to their shared religion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malabang</span> Municipality in Lanao del Sur, Philippines

Malabang, officially the Municipality of Malabang, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 49,088 people. The town is one of the two former capitals of the Sultanate of Maguindanao from 1515 until the Spanish conquered the land in 1888, and later became the capital of one of the states of the Confederation of Sultanates in Lanao in 1640.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moro people</span> Muslim ethnic groups of the southern Philippines and neighbouring regions

The Moro people or Bangsamoro people are the 13 Muslim-majority ethnolinguistic Austronesian groups of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan, native to the region known as the Bangsamoro. As Muslim-majority ethnic groups, they form the largest non-Christian population in the Philippines, and comprise about 5% of the country's total population, or 5 million people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moro National Liberation Front</span> Philippine regionalist organization founded in 1972

The Moro National Liberation Front is a political organization in the Philippines that was founded in 1972. It started as a splinter group of the Muslim Independence Movement. The MNLF was the leading organization among Moro separatists for about two decades beginning from the 1970s.

Haroun al-Rashid Lucman was a Filipino legislator, journalist, World War II guerilla hero, and an early proponent of Moro independence or autonomy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong</span> Filipino politician

Ansaruddin Abdul Malik "Hooky" Alonto Adiong is a Filipino politician serving as mayor of Ditsaan-Ramain, Lanao del Sur since 2022. Previously, he was the representative of Lanao del Sur's 1st district (2013–2022). He was elected vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2005. After Governor Zaldy Ampatuan's removal from office in 2009, Adiong became the acting governor until 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abdullah Makapaar</span>

Abdullah Goldiano Makapaar bin Sabbar, commonly known by his nom de guerreCommander Bravo, was a former Moro rebel in the Philippines who fought under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a commander.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangsamoro</span> Autonomous region of the Philippines

Bangsamoro, officially the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is an autonomous region in the Philippines, located in the southwestern portion of the island of Mindanao.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saidamen Balt Pangarungan</span> Filipino businessman, lawyer, and politician

Saidamen Balt Pangarungan is a Filipino businessman, lawyer and politician who previously served as the ad interim Chairman of the Commission on Elections from March–June 2022. He previously served as the secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos in the Duterte administration, and was the governor of Lanao del Sur from 1988 to 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangsamoro declarations of independence</span> Aspects of Philippine history

The Bangsamoro are a majority-Muslim ethnic group occupying a range of territories across the southern portions of the Republic of the Philippines. On three occasions, a short-lived and unrecognized Bangsamoro state independent of the Philippines has been formally declared by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The first declaration was issued in 1974, amid the Moro conflict. Bangsamoro Land would be declared in 2012. In 2013, the United Federated States of Bangsamoro Republik was declared.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangsamoro Parliament</span> Regional legislature of the Bangsamoro region

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangsamoro Organic Law</span> 2018 Philippine law establishing the Bangsamoro autonomous region

The Bangsamoro Organic Law, also known as the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and officially designated as Republic Act No. 11054, is a Philippine law that provided for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autonomous regions of the Philippines</span> First-level administrative divisions

An autonomous region of the Philippines is a first-level administrative division that has the authority to control a region's culture and economy. The Constitution of the Philippines allows for two autonomous regions: in the Cordilleras and in Muslim Mindanao. Currently, Bangsamoro, which largely consists of the Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao, is the only autonomous region in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1976 Tripoli Agreement</span> Treaty between the Philippines and Moro National Liberation Front

The 1976 Tripoli Agreement was signed on December 23, 1976 in Tripoli, Libya by Carmelo Z. Barbero, representing the Government of the Philippines and Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front. The agreement defined autonomous administrative divisions for Muslims in the southern Philippines, the establishment of an autonomous government, judicial system for Sharia law and special security forces, and the observance of a ceasefire. The autonomous region was to have its own economic system, including an Islamic bank.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philippine Executive Order 10</span>

Executive Order No. 10 was signed on December 7, 2016, by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte which created a consultative committee to review the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. The move officially set in motion the process for amending the 30-year-old charter and set up a federal system of government in the Philippines aimed at ending the Moro conflict and further opening up of the Philippine economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domocao Alonto</span>

Ahmad Domocao "Domie" Alangadi Alonto was a Muslim-Filipino lawyer, educator, author, traditional leader, and Islamic figure from Lanao del Sur.

Laisa Masuhud Alamia is a Filipino politician and lawyer who is a member of the interim Bangsamoro Parliament. She is also the Minority Leader of the regional parliament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament</span>

The speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament is the presiding officer of the Bangsamoro Parliament, the regional legislature of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of the Philippines.

References

  1. ↑ Arguillas, Carolyn (30 March 2019). "Bangsamoro Transition Authority elects officials; Balindong is Speaker". MindaNews. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  2. 1 2 "House of Representatives". www.congress.gov.ph. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  3. 1 2 Madale, Abdullah T. (1997). The Maranaws, Dwellers of the Lake. Rex Bookstore, Inc. ISBN   9789712321740.
  4. ↑ Mindanews. "SPECIAL REPORT(2): It?s still all in the family: More political dynasties | MindaNews" . Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  5. ↑ Ranada, Pia. "Duterte appoints 19 members of Charter Change consultative committee". Rappler. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  6. ↑ "House of Representatives". www.congress.gov.ph. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  7. ↑ iag.org.ph. "Sponsorship Speech of Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong on the BBL". iag.org.ph. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  8. ↑ Ranada, Pia. "Comelec: Bangsamoro Organic Law 'deemed ratified'". Rappler. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  9. 1 2 "H. No. 4832" (PDF). 16th Congress Journal. 3 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "Moro culture to become a subject in college". philstar.com. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  11. ↑ "House of Representatives". www.congress.gov.ph. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  12. ↑ "RA 9997" (PDF). 14th Congress Journal.
  13. ↑ "Bill Passed To Prohibit Media Use of Words 'Muslim' & 'Christian' : Interfaith" . Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  14. ↑ "sept08.2013Bill prohibits use of words in mass media that denote religious, cultural affiliation | Fine (Penalty) | Crimes". Scribd. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  15. ↑ "Republic Act No. 10153 | GOVPH". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  16. ↑ "Privilege Speech of Deputy Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong". www.congress.gov.ph (Press release). Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives. 27 January 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  17. ↑ Cruz, RG (27 January 2016). "BBL a goner, proponent says". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.