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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Legarda seeks resumption gov't, NDFP peace talks; says delays may hinder pandemic recovery efforts

Legarda seeks resumption gov't, NDFP peace talks; says delays may hinder pandemic recovery efforts

Published Apr 21, 2022 04:23 pm

Senatorial candidate and House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda on Thursday called for the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), warning that any delays in the negotiation may lead to delayed pandemic recovery efforts.

Legarda, a veteran of humanitarian and peace missions, insisted that the advantages of guaranteeing peace and security in the country far outweigh the disadvantages cited by oppositors of peace talks.

The senatorial candidate also said delays in the resumption of peace talks will further push back the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), which the joint government and NDFP panel have described as the most important component of the previous negotiation.

The CASER contains “concrete and doable steps towards liberating the Filipino people from poverty, exploitation, and underdevelopment.”

“As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for all of us to only have one objective in mind: to achieve lasting peace, end poverty, and pursue socio-economic programs that will benefit our people and help the country realize national recovery and development,” Legarda said.

The former senator noted that both sides are sincere in their goal of putting an end to the insurgency problem.

“Resuming the peace talks and continuing the discussions on the CASER—the very heart and soul of the peace negotiations—will help us find a common ground to help achieve our goal,” she added.

Should she win in the upcoming May 2022 elections, Legarda, who used to head the Senate finance panel, vowed to ensure there are available funds for the implementation of the CASER as soon as the peace agreement is signed by the negotiating parties.

“We may have different views on how to pursue national development, but I believe we can find a common ground,” she declared.

Related Tags

caser Loren Legarda covid-19 recovery Peace talks insurgency NDFP
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