Duterte: Land reform to continue with or without peace talks with Reds

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said his government would continue to implement "genuine" land reform amid canceled peace negotiations with the communist rebels.

"With or without talks between the government and the communists, land reform will continue to be implemented. It will not end this way," the President said in a speech at the ceremonial distribution of land certificates to farmers in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

During the fourth round of peace talks held in The Netherlands in April last year, both the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) agreed to conclude the unfinished distribution of land and do this for free for the landless and poor farmers, farm workers, and fisherfolk, with just compensation to owners.

Resources for land acquisition and support services may come in part from the recovery of the Marcos hidden wealth, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Duterte scrapped the peace talks in November, citing continued attacks by the rebels on government troops and civilians.

More than 60 lawmakers have since called on Duterte to resume the peace negotiations with the communist rebels, noting that the government and the NDFP have reached "remarkable and unparalleled headway" when it comes to peace talks.

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said the presence of an "enabling environment" will be the "sole determining factor" for the resumption of peace talks with the communists.

In his speech, Duterte urged the Department of Agrarian Reform and other agencies to continue their efforts "to increase farm productivity, reduce farm expenses and promote the well-being of farmers, consumers and the general public through various programs."

"The Philippines is nothing without our farmers who regularly provide our people with sustenance and ensure food security despite difficulties such as disasters, price fluctuations and financial shortages," he said.

"I assure you that the government stands [by] you by every step of the way. We continue to provide support services [from] other agencies through livelihood programs such as crop insurance, production and postharvest trainings and credit access," the President said.

Duterte added that ever since he became president in June 2016, he has "not strayed away" from his promise "to achieve social equity, peace and development for all." — RSJ, GMA News