No more ‘Norwegia?’ Drilon backs Duterte’s move to hold talks in PH

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday said he supports the President’s preference to hold the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) here in the Philippines.

“Tayo naman ay Pilipino lahat. At ito ay problema natin sa ating bansa, kaya siguro dapat dito na lang ang venue (We are all Filipinos. This is our country’s problem. So the peace negotiations should be held here),” he told reporters.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has said President Rodrigo Duterte wanted the peace talks to be conducted here in the Philippines.

READ: Duterte wants talks in PH; Joma sees sabotage

“Iyan din po ang aking sinasabi na dapat dito sa Pilipinas gawin ang usapan sa peace process (That’s what I said. Talks on the peace process should be held here),” Drilon said.

But the senators said Norway’s support for the peace process is still welcome, adding that any country willing to help can contribute a lot.

“Ngayon kung may ibig tumulong, sa akin naman dapat tanggapin natin. Bukas ang ating pintuan sa sinuman (We should accept all offers for help),” he said.

He noted the assistance accorded to the Philippines by Malaysia and Japan for the Mindanao peace process. /ee

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