House members back peace talks with rebels

The opening of the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress at the House of Representatives, Quezon city on Monday, July 24, 2023 (File photo from INQUIRER / NINO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — Party leaders in House of Representatives have expressed support for peace negotiations with communist rebels being pursued by Marcos administration.

They said it is a step towards national unity and a peaceful future for the country.

Lawmakers on Tuesday released a joint statement through House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

The statement said while there may be different ideologies among House members, all of them seek the greater good.

“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,” the statement read.

“This historic move marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development,” it added.

The lawmakers who back the peace negotiations are leaders of Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, Partylist Coalition Foundation Incorporated and Partido Navoteño

Last November 28, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. said Philippine government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines reached a tentative agreement to seek a peaceful resolution to the decades-old armed conflict.