Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. Senate PRIB file photo / Joseph Vidal
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that she remains its ally in the Senate.
It follows last week’s statement that nothing is wrong with working with the so-called left.
On Monday, Legarda made it clear on the Senate floor that she denounces all forms of violence as she called for an end to armed conflict.
“I would like to state, in very clear terms that I denounce, condemn all forms of violence and terrorism, and call for an end to armed conflict,” she said.
“I am in favor of peace talks that are built upon a genuine desire to come to an agreement which [is] within our democratic framework and in accordance with all our laws,” the senator added.
In the same breath, the senator commended the AFP for its service to the nation.
As a reserve officer of the Philippine Air Force, Legarda noted that she has been supporting the AFP through legislation and appropriations for years now.
“I will remain your ally in the Senate,” she then said.
The senator also called on everyone to pursue the common goal of bringing true and lasting peace to the country through “exclusively non-violent means.”
“Premised on a genuine commitment to cease hostilities, let us join together and give peace another chance,” she said.
Legarda defended the National Democratic Front after Senator Francis Tolentino suggested in a privilege last week that government workers should be required to disclose whether they have relatives linked to terrorist organizations.
Interpellating Tolentino then, Legarda argued that “believing in policies and philosophies which may be left of center, so to speak, does not make anyone subversive.”
“I declare that I have worked with the National Democratic Front and I’m not ashamed of it,” she said, “I worked with them, not for them, in my role as a journalist…”