Ranking congressmen came out with a strong, united statement on Tuesday, Dec. 5 regarding their support for President Marcos' all-encompassing peace initiative with different rebel groups, including communists.
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Vice President Sara Duterte
Ranking congressmen came out with a strong, united statement on Tuesday, Dec. 5 regarding their support for President Marcos' all-encompassing peace initiative with different rebel groups, including communists.
"As the united voice of the 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," read the political parties' joint statement that was released Tuesday by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
The statement was issued a day after Vice President Sara Duterte likened the government's resumption of peace talks particularly with the communist groups to having an “agreement with the devil".
Duterte is known for her strong dislike of communists.
President Marcos' pursuit of peace--"a historic move" according to the ranking solons--marks a "pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development".
"President Marcos's call for peace transcends political boundaries and speaks to the core of our shared values as Filipinos. It is a call for understanding, cooperation, and collective action towards a future where every citizen can live in harmony and prosperity," the House leaders said.
Signing the joint statement according to Velasco were party leaders Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe, and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose "Joboy" Aquino II of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD); Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC); and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and Romblon Rep Eleandro Jesus "Budoy" Madrona of the Nacionalista Party (NP).
Also singing the statement were Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia of the National Unity Party (NUP); Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, and Barangay Health & Wellness (BHW) Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI); Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco of the Partido Navoteño, and representatives of other political parties in the House of Representatives.
Earlier, House Speaker Martin Romualdez led in the filing of House Concurrent Resolutions (HCR) Nos. 19, 20, 21, and 22, which sought to concur with the amnesty proclamations President Marcos had issued earlier in favor of various rebel groups.
Amnesty Proclamations No. 403, 404, 405, and 406 cover members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.
Romualdez reiterated on Tuesday the chamber's intention to adopt all four concurrent resolutions in plenary before the Christmas break.
“The timely adoption of these concurrent resolutions is attuned with the spirit of hope, peace and joy that Christmas season brings,” Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House, earlier said.
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The Committee on Justice began its deliberations on House Concurrent Resolutions (HCR) Nos. 19, 20, 21, and 22 on Tuesday morning. They were adopted by the body that same afternoon.
"Recognizing the complexities and challenges of this peace process, we pledge our support and commitment to contribute constructively to these negotiations. We are united in the belief that through dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect, we can overcome historical divides and build a more inclusive and peaceful nation," said the signatories of the joint statement.
"We urge all Filipinos, from every corner of our archipelago, to join us in this noble pursuit. It is only through our joint efforts that we can turn the aspirations of peace, unity, and progress into reality," they added.
"In solidarity, we commend President Marcos for his visionary leadership. Together, as a united House of Representatives and as one nation, we look forward to a future marked by peace, unity, and prosperity for all Filipinos," the solons concluded.