Aquino to Discuss Philippines’s Peace Process in ASEAN-US Summit

Manila, Philippines, 8 Jumadal Awwal 1437/16 Feebruary 2016 (MINA) – President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to declare his resolve for the peace process during his attendance in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States (ASEAN-US) Summit.

Aquino, attending his last ASEAN Summit as president, said his resolve for the peace process is the country’s contribution in addressing the issues of extremism and lack of stability.

The president said he seeks to strengthen the strategic partnership between the ASEAN and US, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported, quoting Philstar..

Aquino also vowed to maintain the Philippines’s stand on the peace process citing the Bangsamoro Basic Law as a way to bring peace and progress in Mindanao.

The proposed BBL faced difficulties in both houses of the Congress. It is still pending in the 16th Congress until June 30 as the Senate cannot support it without the House of Representative’s prior approval.

BBL’s passage will be further delayed as the 16th Congress is currently on recess and will resume on May 23.

Aquino left the country on Monday to attend the ASEAN-US Summit to be held in Sunnylands, California. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)