Hse supermajority backs FMJ on peace talks
By Nidz Godino
"As united voice of House of Representatives, representing all political parties, we collectively express our unwavering support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiative for peace and national unity," joint statement read, allies of President Marcos comprising so-called supermajority in House of Representatives have rallied behind his initiative to end decades-long communist insurgency through fresh peace negotiations.
In joint manifesto, leaders of power blocs said they have formed "united front" to support Marcos' "all-encompassing peace initiative."
Manifesto was issued as Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio appealed to FMJ to "reconsider" resumption of peace talks, describing it as "agreement with devil."
Coalition represents 280 members of 311-strong chamber led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco released manifesto recently.
Party stalwarts said Marcos' pursuit of peace is " historic move" marks "pivotal moment in our nation's journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development."
"President Marcos' call for peace transcends political boundaries and speaks to core of our shared values as Filipinos… call for understanding, cooperation and collective action towards future where every citizen can live in harmony and prosperity," House leaders said.
Among power blocs backing Marcos' peace initiative were ruling Lakas-CMD led by Romualdez, Nationalist People's Coalition of late tycoon Danding Cojuangco and PDP-Laban party of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Nacionalista Party led by former Senate president Manny Villar, National Unity Party, Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc., Partido Navoteño, among others.
Romualdez earlier led in filing of House Concurrent Resolutions 19, 20, 21 and 22 supporting amnesty proclamations of President Marcos. House committees on justice and on national defense approved resolutions. Amnesty Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406 cover members of communist groups and Moro separatists.
"Timely adoption of these concurrent resolutions is attuned with spirit of hope, peace and joy Christmas season brings," Romualdez said.
"Grant of amnesty to former combatants or rebels who may have committed unlawful acts in furtherance of their respective political beliefs and who wish to return to folds of law, will create climate conducive for peace and reconciliation, pave way for them to reintegrate into society and provide them access to government's socio-economic services," resolutions read.
"There is need for government to act on rebel and insurgent returnees' request for grant of amnesty so that they may live in peace in pursuit of productive endeavors without prejudice to any legal arrangement that may result from negotiated settlement government is pursuing with various rebel and insurgent groups," they added.
Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of women's group Gabriela, flagged House Concurrent Resolution 20 granting amnesty to "former members of CPP-NPA-NDF or their front organizations."
Brosas said by conflating those unarmed and armed individuals charged with various offenses, amnesty proclamations appear to have restored repealed RA 1700 ,Anti-Subversion Act, penalizes membership in organizations deemed subversive.
"Proclamations do not distinguish those who took up arms from unarmed citizens…there is also mention of front organizations always being used to tag people's organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations as communists and harass them and endanger lives of activists," she said.
"In this case, this could result in increase in human rights violations," Brosas added.
For voicing her opposition to Marcos' initiative to talk peace with rebels, Vice President Duterte should resign as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary, according to former senator Leila de Lima.
In her post on X, De Lima said no one was preventing Duterte from criticizing present administration but she should remember that she is still member of Cabinet.
"Peace talks is not within core competence of her portfolio as DepEd Sec…she should resign as DepEd Sec if she keeps on publicly opposing FMJ's Cabinet policy decision have nothing to do with DepEd," she said.
"She cannot eat cake and keep it too…she can only go on criticizing FMJ's policies if she is no longer member of Cabinet and speaks only as VP," she stressed.
Duterte released video statement opposing new peace efforts, as she appealed to FMJ review his policies and called Oslo communique "agreement with devil."
Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, on other hand, held press briefing to express his support for Duterte, saying communists cannot be trusted. Dela Rosa was national police chief under Duterte administration.
"They are not sincere when it comes to peace talks," Dela Rosa said, citing setbacks suffered by communist movement since death of Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.
"You are leaderless… to make demands," Dela Rosa said, addressing communist movement.
Asked if disagreement between Duterte and FMJ on peace talks indicated cracks in their alliance, Dela Rosa said it was only normal for Vice President to oppose peace talks because of her first-hand experience in dealing with communist insurgency when she was mayor in Davao.
"I am in favor of peace talks provided there is no ceasefire, which they will only use to strengthen their forces," Dela Rosa said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has admitted some soldiers agree with Duterte's apprehensions over Marcos administration's possible peace negotiations with communists.
"First of all, I cannot blame the Vice President for saying this… this opinion is shared by so many in our country, even soldiers," he told media.
He said rebels took advantage of previous peace negotiations to consolidate and strengthen their position.
"But right now, we believe statement is really moving towards lasting peace… I believe this could lead to lasting peace," he said, referring to joint statement of Marcos administration and National Democratic Front signed last month in Oslo, Norway.
"First of all, they said there will be no pre-conditions, there will be no ceasefire, there will be no release of political prisoners, so only exploratory talks," Brawner said. "So I told our troops, our operations continue…don't be alarmed by this exploratory talks."
He also said Sison's death was big blow to rebel group.
Brawner allayed fears differences in opinion among ranks may cause discord.
Meanwhile, militant fishers' group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said Duterte has proven herself to be real enemy of the country for trying to sabotage government's peace talks with rebels.
"Now it can be said that VP Duterte is the one who's against peace, thus enemy of the nation," Pamalakaya vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo said in statement.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes said government should be commended for supporting peace negotiations.
"Talking peace is always better than relying on militarist approach to end armed struggle," he said.
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