UBJP Vice President Iqbal Championing Moral Governance and People’s Empowerment

COTABATO CITY (May 7, 2024) — In a resounding display of unity and purpose, members of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Marawi City chapters gathered for their 1st General Assembly. The event saw the attendance of esteemed figures, including the Vice President for Central Mindanao Mohagher M. Iqbal, who delivered a stirring message underscoring the party’s principles and platforms.

Addressing the assembly, Minister Iqbal emphasized the UBJP’s commitment to moral governance, drawing parallels with Islamic principles while acknowledging the Philippine nature of governance. Iqbal also articulated the party’s stance on moral governance as rooted in Islamic values, where right and wrong are the foundation of morality.

“Ang moral governance kasi yan ang bayan ng morality natin, yung right and wrong, walang iba kundi ang Islam,” he said.

Furthermore, Iqbal highlighted the UBJP’s advocacy for people’s empowerment, asserting the right of every individual, regardless of social status, to participate in governance. He underscored the importance of inclusivity in democracy, rejecting elitists in favor of a system that allows competent individuals from all walks of life to lead.

“Prinsipyo na itinataguyod ng UBJP ay yung tinatawag natin na people’s empowerment, binibigyan natin ng karapatan na mamuno, humawak kahit sinong taong bayan. Pag-usapan natin ang taong bayan nandiyan ang Sultan, Datu, nandiyan ang average people kung mayroon lang alipin, kasama diyan ang alipin kahit sino doon sa tatlong klase ng tao dito sa lugar natin natin. Kung matuwid—kung siya’y competent kayang-kaya niyang mamuno, binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon na mamuno dito sa lugar natin,” Iqbal pointed out.

The third pillar of the UBJP’s platform, according to Iqbal, is service to the people. He elucidated the party’s economic ideology, which he described as neither communist nor capitalist but rather aligned with Islamic principles.

Looking ahead to the 2025 elections, Iqbal urged party members to prepare diligently, emphasizing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and autonomy for the Bangsamoro people. He stressed the need for responsible leadership in safeguarding the gains of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and advancing the region’s interests over the so-called self-interest.

In conclusion, Iqbal called on UBJP members to ensure that the leaders elected in 2025 possess a genuine concern for the welfare of the people, uphold Islamic values, and continue the pursuit of the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination like the UBJP.

The 1st General Assembly of the UBJP Northern Mindanao served as a rallying point for unity and purpose, reaffirming the party’s commitment to principled governance and the advancement of the Bangsamoro cause. As preparations for the 2025 elections gather momentum, the message of Minister Iqbal resonates as a call to action for all members to uphold the principles of moral governance, empowerment, and service to the people. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/BangsamoroToday)