Romualdez: Why be afraid of peace talks?

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday stressed his support for the Marcos administration's peace initiatives with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, calling it "a moral imperative."

Romualdez indicated that there was nothing to be afraid of in going back to the negotiating table with the communist leaders.

"Bakit tayo matatakot makipag-usap kung alam nating malakas ang ating Sandatahang Lakas at matatag ang ating Republika? Ano ang ikababahala natin kung alam natin na nasa pamahalaan ang tiwala ng bayan?" Romualdez said.

(Why should we be afraid of negotiating when we have a strong Armed Forces and steadfast republic? What are we afraid of when we know the country trusts the government?)

Romualdez said the peace talks are "more than just a political maneuver."

"It is a moral imperative, a chance to mend the fissures that have long divided our nation. We are not just negotiating terms; we are weaving the fabric of a peaceful future for every Filipino," Romualdez said.

"Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds, fostering an environment where peace can flourish. Together, under President Marcos’s leadership, we shall strive towards a Philippines that is not only prosperous but also harmonious and united in its diversity," he added.

Romualdez echoed the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for support for the renewed peace negotiations following the signing of the joint communique between the government and the NDFP in Oslo.

"In this pursuit, we must all come together—government, civil society, and every Filipino—to support this peace process. It is through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment to peace that we can overcome the barriers of the past and build a stronger, more united Philippines," Romualdez said.

Also on Monday, Vice President Sara Duterte called the Philippine government's joint statement with the National Demorcatic Front of the Philippines "an agreement with the devil."

In a statement on occasion of the 5th anniversary of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Duterte also asked Marcos to review the amnesty proclamations for former communist rebels.

"Mr. President, the government’s statement with the NDFP in Oslo was an agreement with the devil," Duterte said.

The Vice President said history showed that the communist rebels were not sincere in pursuing peace and that they would only use the negotiations to betray the government and deceive the public.

She said that justice would not be served in the cases of barangay officials, security volunteers, police, and soldiers who died to protect the community with the amnesty proclamations.

"We appeal to your power to review these proclamations and agreements... Let us honor the memory of those who died in the senseless and bloody attacks of the NPA-CPP-NDFP," Duterte said.

"Mr. President, we can negotiate for peace and reconciliation and pursue meaningful development efforts in the Philippines without capitulating to the enemies," she added.

The Philippine government and the NDFP on November 23 signed a joint statement for "a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict."

The two sides announced the joint communique that was signed in Oslo on November 23 and which adverted to the need to "unite as a nation" amid socioeconomic and environmental issues, and "foreign security threats." 

"Cognizant of the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and the foreign security threats facing the country, the parties recognize the need to unite the nation in order to urgently address these challenges and resolve the reasons for the armed conflict," the joint statement said.

"The parties agree to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict. Resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle shall pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDFP," it added.

The statement was signed for the Philippine government by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez, and Special Representative Emmanuel Bautista.

For the NDFP, the joint statement was signed by National Executive Council Member Luis Jalandoni, interim Negotiating Panel chairperson Julieta De Lima, and panel member Coni Ledesma.

Special Representative to the Philippines Kristina Lie Revheim signed for Norwegian government as third party facilitator. —NB, GMA Integrated News