On November 23, 2023 in Oslo Norway, the GRP, represented by Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. (Special Asst. to the President) and the NDFP, represented by Luis G. Jalandoni (Member, National Executive Council) signed a JOINT STATEMENT where they agreed “to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict” and “to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiations with the aim of achieving the relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace.”
The realization of Peace Talks has been the essential aspiration of the Filipino people from decades back, and given new impetus especially after the successful negotiations between the government and the Bangsa Moro Army (BMA).
It’s high time the government and the NDF should really make a FINAL (my own wish) HONEST EFFORT to negotiate with open hearts and minds to resolve the differences in perspective on bringing about GOOD, nay, the BEST kind of GOVERNANCE for our country.
I believe the two parties should focus their discussions to agree on “ACHIEVING the RELEVANT SOCIOECONOMIC and POLITICAL REFORMS TOWARDS a JUST and LASTING PEACE!”
Furthermore, the parties should honestly agree on HOW to CREATE soonest “a JUST and HUMANE SOCIETY’ – a fundamental aspiration of the people of any nation. Considering our own Philippine situation, the parties should resolve soonest HOW to expedite the recovery of our economy -- finding the means to find employment and livelihoods for our working-age citizens, to ensure that we have enough PRODUCTIVE FILIPINOS to revive and maintain a stable and robust economy for continuing progress towards genuine development for the country. EDUCATION of the people should be a priority program of government, as knowledge is power to ensure continuing progress as a nation.
In this regard, on POLITICAL REFORMS. We need public officials with track records of performance as SERVANT-LEADERS, that is, with proven INTEGRITY, COMPETENCE, COMPASSION-SERVICE for the poor, ANTI-CORRUPTION and SOCIAL JUSTICE advocacy, and courageous unshakeable POLITICAL WILL. Only then will our suffering farmers, fisher folks, laborers, IPs, small vendors, jeepney drivers, the homeless, landless, jobless and underpaid countrymen enjoy lasting peace and progress in our country and enjoy DECENT living for their families under a regime of JUSTICE, FREEDOM and genuine DEMOCRACY.
So, PEACE TALKS NOW!
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