Start delivering on promises, Left tells Duterte

Leftist members of President Duterte’s Cabinet are giving him another year to make good on his promise to bring about change and solve the country’s festering problems, primarily poverty.

Liza Maza, head of the National Antipoverty Commission, said on Monday that in the second year of Mr. Duterte’s rule, the government should already start delivering on the promises that the President made especially on the campaign trail.

“This is a critical point [for the government] in the sense that now its eyes and ears should be open to the pleas of the citizens,” said Maza, who served for three consecutive terms as representative in Congress of the leftist groups Bayan Muna and Gabriela.

Maza’s stance was in contrast with that of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Monday’s “People’s Sona,” a rally held by militant and other allied groups in response to Mr. Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address.

Undermining factors

Renato Reyes, Bayan secretary general, said the promising start of Mr. Duterte’s administration was “undermined” by several things — the government’s human rights record, the administration’s refusal to carry out an economic policy that would benefit mainly the poor and Mr. Duterte’s “failure to pursue an independent foreign policy.”

While Maza said leftist Cabinet members had been allowed by the President to attend Monday’s rally, her presence and that of Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo and Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano appeared to have put them in a tight spot since they were part of the administration that leftist protesters were rallying against.

“If you really want change, it is really uncomfortable to everyone. We’re here to help the President walk the path of genuine change,” Maza said.

She said leftist leaders in the Cabinet had reasons for being part of Mr. Duterte’s official family.

“We have a different perspective and alternative solution to the longstanding problems of our country,” Maza said. “This is what we will continue to bring to the Cabinet.”

People’s issues

Maza said next year, the President should focus on responding to clamors for land reform, rural and agricultural development, an end to contractualization and lower prices of basic goods.

A protester outside Batasang Pambansa wears a hat with a message that the Left wants to deliver to President Duterte—deliver on your promises. —LEO M. SABANGAN

Mariano said Mr. Duterte should continue peace talks with communist rebels as the talks were now at a crucial stage and were nearing a deal on sweeping socioeconomic reforms.

The President had ordered a stop to peace talks between the government and rebel panels following continued attacks by New People’s Army rebels, including one that targeted members of the Presidential Security Group, which secures the President.