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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Bakit tayo matatakot?': Romualdez defends gov't decision to reopen peace talks with Reds

'Bakit tayo matatakot?': Romualdez defends gov't decision to reopen peace talks with Reds

Published Dec 4, 2023 11:31 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez reiterated on Monday night, Dec. 5 his backing of Malacañang's decision to reopen peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). 

IMG-9771834513a39e91030854d797bec2f7-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez reiterated on Monday night, Dec. 5 his backing of Malacañang's decision to reopen peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

"As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I reiterate my wholehearted support to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to reopen talks for peace negotiations," Romualdez said in a statement.

"This courageous step towards reconciliation is a testament to our government's commitment to enduring peace and unity, which are the cornerstones of our nation's development and progress," he said.

The House leader gave these remarks a few hours after Vice President Sara Duterte--who is known to abhor the CPP-NDFP--likened the government's resumption of the peace talks with the communists to having an “agreement with the devil".

"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?" asked Romualdez, without mentioning anybody.

(Why should we fear having talks if we know that our Armed Forces are strong and our republic is unyielding? What do we have to worry about if we know that the government has the people’s trust? )

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president further said: "The path to peace is often complex and challenging, but it is a journey worth undertaking for the future of the Philippines."

He further said that Marcos’ initiative was "a bold move towards healing and unity, reflecting our dedication to resolving longstanding conflicts through dialogue and understanding".

"This negotiation is 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," the Leyte 1st district congressman said.

"Tama na ang digmaan. Pagod na ang ating mamamayan sa kaguluhan. Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang kapayapaan (Enough of this war. Our people are tired of insurgnecy. Let's give peace a chance)," Romualdez said.

Related Tags

Peace talks Martin Romualdez Sara Duterte
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