DAR Secretary Bernie Cruz in a press conference on Nov. 8 (FILE) Photo courtesy of DAR Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Bernie Cruz wants to head the incoming administration’s peace process office.
Cruz’s term as DAR chief will end on June 30, which is also President Rodrigo Duterte’s last day in office.
“Kung bibigyan ako ng chance ni President [Ferdinand] Marcos [Jr.], siguro makakapag-impluwensya ako du’n nga sinasabi ko sa peace process, gusto ko hong umupo para matapos [na ang gulo],” he said in a press conference on Monday.
(If I will be given a chance by President Marcos, maybe I can influence the peace process; I want to be in a position to end conflicts.)
When asked what position he is eyeing, Cruz said he wants to be the office’s head.
“Ako po ‘yung head ng peace process. Tatapusin na natin ‘tong kaguluhan na ‘to,” he responded.
(I want to be the head of the peace process. We will end this dispute.)
READ: Raps filed vs 83 farmers, supporters nabbed over Tarlac land dispute
Cruz made his remarks during the press conference on the mass arrest of farmers and advocates at Hacienda Tinang in Tarlac.
He claimed that “leftist” groups are using farmers for their political agenda.
READ: After arrest of ‘Tinang 93,’ DAR asks groups to not use farmers for political agenda
Currently, the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity is Secretary Carlito Galvez.