NDFP wants dialogue with VP Robredo on peace, socio-economic reforms amid pandemic

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), wants to discuss issues related to peace negotiations with the Philippine government with Vice President Leni Robredo amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Julie de Lima, NDFP negotiating panel interim chairperson, said the NDFP aside from the Philippine government, the group should also hold discussions with the opposition parties, the Liberal Party in particular.

“Prospects for resuming the peace negotiations after Duterte, whether he is ousted or he finishes his term, are possible and desirable,” she said, adding that the topics would include the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).

De Lima underscored that the CASER  “has relevant provisions on confronting the issue of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“The draft agreement has a whole article consisting of seven sections which are devoted to the discussion of the people’s right to health. This includes the establishment of a universal public health system that provides free, comprehensive and quality health services for all,” she added.

The CASER, De Lima said, provides immediate and adequate financial, material, moral and psychosocial support, ensuring disaster preparedness and response, and holding criminally and civilly liable corrupt and grossly negligent officials.

De Lima added that the NDFP and the Government Republic of the Philippines “can elaborate on the issue based on a summing up of experience and learning lessons from both sides as well as from the positive and negative practices of foreign countries and international agencies in responding and confronting this particular pandemic as well as other pandemics.”  -- BAP, GMA News