๐ท: Bayan | FB
The Makabayan bloc has called on the Philippine government to reject any invitation to join US President Donald Trumpโs proposed โBoard of Peaceโ for Gaza, branding the initiative as a scheme to legitimize US occupation and profiteering in the war-torn territory.
According to the bloc, the Board is โnot about peaceโ but a mechanism to bypass the United Nations, entrench US dominance, and profit from reconstruction projects following the devastation caused by US-backed Israeli military aggression.
Makabayan pointed to the composition of the Boardโs executive committee as proof of its true intent, citing the inclusion of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, criticized for his role in the Iraq invasion, and Trumpโs son-in-law Jared Kushner, who represents the formerโs personal business interests. โThese are not peacemakers,โ the bloc said, โbut profiteers and architects of imperialist wars.โ
The group also noted that the Boardโs 11-page charter does not mention Gaza at all, instead outlining a sweeping mandate for a new international body chaired by Trump, who holds veto power over key decisions. โThis is not multilateralism,โ Makabayan stressed. โThis is US unilateralism dressed up as international cooperation.โ
Makabayan warned that Philippine participation would risk complicity in the illegal occupation of Gaza, potentially reducing Filipino workers to cheap labor for multinational corporations while Palestinians remain dispossessed. The bloc urged the government to follow the lead of countries such as France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia, which have already rejected invitations.
Reaffirming solidarity with the Palestinian people, Makabayan called for an end to US military aid to Israel, accountability for war crimes in Gaza, and reconstruction led by Palestinians themselvesโโfunded without conditions, and free from foreign occupation and exploitation.โ
โThe Philippines must reject Trumpโs Board of Peace and stand on the side of justice, liberation, and the oppressed peoples of the world,โ the bloc declared. (RRN)
