Frustrated at slow pace of talks, chief govt negotiator with Reds quits

From InterAksyon (Jun 25): Frustrated at slow pace of talks, chief govt negotiator with Reds quits

The chairman of the government panel to peace talks with communist rebels has resigned, citing his frustration over the slow pace of the negotiations.

Alexander Padilla, who was recently appointed president and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. said he has already submitted his notice of resignation to presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles.

He said the government panel to talks with the National Democratic Front is now "in transition."

Deputy Malacanang spokesperson Abigail Valte said Padilla's appointment to head the PhilHealth had nothing to do with his resignation as chief government negotiator.

"He mentioned his frustration with the pace of the talks, which he described as being at an impasse," Valte said in an interview aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Tuesday.

Peace talks have been stalled since February 2011.

Presidential adviser on the peace process Sec. Teresita Deles said in a message: "Chair Padilla's appointment to Philhealth does not come as a surprise. We have agreed that he will stay on to ensure a smooth transition. The rest of the panel remains in place and the work continues to proceed."

Recently, the rebels hinted they had given up on negotiating with the current administration and might wait for a new president to be elected in 2016 before agreeing to resume talks.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/64873/frustrated-at-slow-pace-of-talks-chief-govt-negotiator-with-reds-quits