Pangalian Balindong

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]

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]

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]

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]

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