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MP Iqbal affirms media as partner in democratic progress, UBJP ready for elections

• Dec 26, 2025
• Taher G. Solaiman
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COTABATO CITY – Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal, Vice President of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), asserted that the media is an essential partner, not an adversary, in expanding democratic space within the Bangsamoro region. He made the statement during the recently held Media Conference and Year-End Kanduli.

Iqbal emphasized the importance of recognizing the "human side" of media workers, noting that journalists, like government officials, possess emotions and perspectives that may influence their reporting. He maintained that continuous engagement and mutual respect are key to sustaining balanced public discourse.

Addressing the upcoming elections, Iqbal underscored that gatherings involving the press are inseparable from the democratic process, and expressed the UBJP's readiness for any electoral outcome. "We are preparing to win, but we are also preparing for the possibility of losing. Win or lose, we move forward," Iqbal stated.

Reflecting on the peace process, Iqbal traced the journey of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from armed struggle to the current peace, crediting various administrations for valuing the process and the MILF's role. He likened negotiations to "building blocks," acknowledging the foundational work of the MNLF and referring to the path toward the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Iqbal, who concurrently serves as the Vice Chairman of the MILF, highlighted the three core aspirations that drive the UBJP: Moral Governance, Autonomy, and Self-Governance. He concluded by describing the UBJP not merely as a party, but as a principled organization dedicated to peace, good governance, and the empowerment of the democratic voice of the Bangsamoro people.

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