CPP should accept Duterte offer of gov’t posts—pol analyst

The next president of the country hates adulation and on his first public appearance since he took a break after the election said that he should be treated as an equal. KARLOS MANLUPIG/INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO

A political analyst on Tuesday said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) should grab the opportunity given by presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte who offered the group several key positions under his administration.

“Tanggapin nila. Kasi demokrasya po tayo eh…kami namang mamamayan produkto lang ang aming concern,” said Clarita Carlos in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

(They should accept it. Because we’re in a democracy…we citizens are only concerned about the product of the government’s endeavors.)

Duterte, during a press conference on Monday, said he would offer the top positions for the departments of agrarian reform, labor, social welfare and environment to the CPP if it will join his government.

READ: Duterte offers key gov’t positions to CPP

He said its members can take government positions as long as they are qualified.

Carlos said there shouldn’t be any problem with it “if they do not have any legal impediments.”

She said Duterte is a lawyer so he should know.

Carlos, who is a University of the Philippines professor and president of the Center for Asia Pacific Studies Inc., said it would be better for communists in exile, referring to Jose Maria Sison, to return home and help change the country.

READ: Duterte says communist leader Joma Sison welcome home

Friends in Cabinet

Asked about Duterte’s decision to appoint friends as members of his Cabinet once he is sworn into office, Carlos said it should also not be an issue.

She compared it to her preference in hiring former students. “I know already their capabilities,” she said.

Carlos said, however, that it would be a problem if Duterte’s friends are not qualified and do not know anything about the job.

Malacañang view

She said she thinks Duterte’s views on foreign relations may also change, like his attitude towards businessmen.

“The view from Malacanang is really different because the information that you know as an ordinary citizen or even a local executive is different,” she said.

Carlos explained that candidates are not privy to many things and that foreign policy usually evolves.

She said Bill Clinton, for example, took back things he said in the past when he got to the White House. She said that may also be the case for US presidential candidate Donald Trump as well as for Duterte. RAM/rga