Ex-rebel-turned solon urges bold commitment to peace amid amnesty talks

Rebels. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Pushing for peace negotiations is not just a government program but a commitment that the administration must uphold, a former rebel-turned-lawmaker said amid discussions on the administration’s amnesty program.

During the discussions of the House committee on justice and the committee on national defense and security on Tuesday, Abang Lingkod Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano said elected and appointed officials should heed government policies on insurgency.

These policies include pursuing peace negotiations with groups that revolted against the government.

“While I do respect dissenting opinion in this country, what I would just like to correct — especially those elected and appointed and career service officials in the government — kasi po (it’s because), this amnesty proclamation is part and parcel (of), not only the program of the government, but the commitment of the government,” Paduano said.

“And, well, in fact […] then-President (Rodrigo) Duterte also issued an amnesty proclamation. Unfortunately, the application is only good for one year,” he recalled.

“This proclamation now is just an implementation of the government commitment, and we, as public servants, should comply and support that commitment of the government — because all peace agreements being signed represent the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Paduano was referring to three House resolutions that agreed with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s proclamations, which granted amnesty to qualified members of rebel groups.

The panel adopted the resolutions during a hearing on Tuesday.