‘Revolutionary tax reasonable’ – NDFP spokesman

Fidel Agcaoili, (right) the spokesman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and Fr. Joel Tabora SJ., talk about the prospects for peace between the Philippine government and the New People’s Army on June 8, 2016, in Davao City. (Photo by KARLOS MANLUPIG, INQUIRER MINDANAO

DAVAO CITY — The practice of revolutionary taxation by the communist movement is reasonable, according to Fidel Agcaoili, spokesman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace panel, which is negotiating with the Philippine government to end their 40-year-old insurgency.

Agcoaili on Wednesday said taxation has always been a component of the revolutionary movement, most especially in delivering services to its constituents.

“That is why we are a revolutionary movement. We wish to win the revolution to establish a state,” Agcaoili said.

“You have to understand that the revolutionary movement has its revolutionary organs. Any state has the right to enforce tax,” Agcaoili added.

Agcaoili, however, asserted that the collected tax has always been delivered to their communities.

“It does not go to the pockets of a few people like those in government. It is used in establishing schools, cooperatives and medical services,” he said.

Agcaoili added that the issue of revolutionary taxation would be discussed in the peace negotiations.  SFM