Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) — The House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed “unwavering support” for the resumption of peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Philippine government.
In a statement through House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, the chamber, as represented by all political parties, said the move marked a “pivotal moment in our nation’s journey toward lasting peace and sustainable development.”
“We acknowledge the diverse perspectives and ideologies within our ranks, yet we stand together in our commitment to the greater good of the Philippines,” the statement read. “This unity in purpose reflects the strength of our democracy and the resilience of our nation.”
The House statement came after the country’s second-highest official, Vice President Sara Duterte, disagreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ s initiative.
The Marcos administration earlier announced it signed a joint communique with the NDFP in Oslo, Norway on Nov. 23, agreeing to \”a principled and peaceful resolution” to the decades-old armed conflict.
The NDFP is the umbrella organization representing communist rebels in the peace talks.
In her statement Monday, Duterte called the Oslo communique with the NDFP an “agreement with the devil.”
Reacting to the issue also on Monday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the resumption of peace talks between the NDFP and the Philippine government is not just a political ploy but a shared responsibility for peace.
\”This negotiation is more than just a political maneuver; it is a moral imperative, a chance to mend the fissures that have long divided our nation,\” Romualdez said. \”We are not just negotiating terms; we are weaving the fabric of a peaceful future for every Filipino.\”
The House also said in its statement that Marcos’ call for peace “ transcends political boundaries” and “speaks to the core” of Filipinos’ shared values.
Romualdez described President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s action as a \” bold move towards healing and unity,\” highlighting the administration’s commitment to settling long-standing disputes.
Romualdez further called on Filipinos to support the peace process, underscoring the importance of collective efforts and unwavering commitment to peace.
Just a plain appeal?
Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, a known supporter of the Dutertes, said he only saw the vice president’s statement as “just a plain appeal.”
“Di naman siya contradicting, appealing lang, normal lang pananaw nila,” Dela Rosa told reporters on Tuesday. “VP has been mayor of Davao, naramdaman niya problema sa insurgency.”
[Translation: It’s not contradicting but appealing. Her view is normal. The VP has been the mayor of Davao and she felt the problem of insurgency.]
Dela Rosa comes from Mindanao and has served as police chief of Davao City, a known stronghold of the Dutertes.
He said he’s in favor of peace talks provided there would be no ceasefire, adding that peace talks should be on government terms.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel also said Filipinos should always be open for dialogue, while Sen. JV Ejercito called for a ceasefire on political attacks.
\”Too many problems that need attention and we need to unite to be able to surmount these challenges!\” Ejercito said.
He also asked Duterte to directly talk to Marcos \”to quash speculations that politically they are headed to go in their separate ways.\”
