📷ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has called on the Marcos Jr. administration to reprimand the “war hawks” and “peace spoilers” within the cabinet, urging them to align with Malacañang’s stance on resuming peace talks. Rep. Castro stressed the importance of officially reopening negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to address the causes of inequality and oppression in the country.
“As representatives of the people, it is imperative that we seek avenues to achieve a just and lasting peace,” Rep. Castro emphasized. “The administration must ensure that its cabinet members are fully supportive of efforts to resume peace negotiations with the NDFP.”
Earlier, Julie De Lima, Chairperson of the NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel, who reiterated the NDFP’s commitment to the peace process. “We remain steadfast in our dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace, as negotiations are an effective means to address the underlying causes of civil unrest,” De Lima stated.
The NDFP seeks to engage in discussions that tackle key issues such as agrarian reform and national industrialization, among other substantive socio-economic concerns. However, mixed signals from the government, including skepticism expressed by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, highlight the complexity of the peace process.
“The path to peace is indeed long and arduous, but it is a path we must tread with determination, mutual respect, and genuine commitment from both parties,” De Lima added.
Rep. Castro concluded by urging the Marcos administration to seize this opportunity to forge a lasting peace agreement that will truly benefit the Filipino people. “We must address the root of the armed conflict to pave the way for a peaceful and equitable society,” she ended.#
