The negotiations on socio-economic reforms is the meat of the peace talks. Thus said Alan Jazmines, vice chairperson of the Reciprocal Working Committee for Socio-economic Reforms (RWC-SER), last October 5, on the eve of the resumption of the second round of peace talks which will end on October 10 in Oslo, Norway.
Last October 6, Jose Maria Si- son, senior consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), expressed that it is premature to talk about laying down of arms on the second round of negotiations. Moreover, both panels have to discuss the outline of the negotiations first, especially CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms), to see its benefits for the Filipino people.
After almost two decades and two major world economic crises, the two panels need to discuss a key crisis-protection agreement, said Jazmines.
The NDFP draft for this agenda has already been prepared since 1998. In light of the worsening crisis brought by neoliberal policies, the revolutionary movement updated the CASER draft. “However, land reform and national industrialization is still the main content of our proposal because of these twin economic development strategies’ proven resilience to the crisis of globalization,” Jazmines added.
“While we expect lively and contentious discussions on CASER, we also hope that both parties are strong-willed enough to overcome differences in order to solve the armed conflict at its roots,” said Randall Echanis, member of RWC-SER.
In line with this, the NDFP clarified that laying down of arms will not be discussed in the second round of peace negotiations.
Based on the agenda outline in the ongoing talks, democratic rights and welfare of the people come first while discussion on the disposition of armed forces will be on the final leg.
“If oppression and exploitation persist, why should the revolutionary government surrender?” asked Sison.
The NDFP also reminded GRP of its obligation to release political prisoners. This is the response to GRP panel chairperson Silvestre Bello’s statement that amnesty will only be given after negotiations.
According to Comrade Luis Jalandoni, amnesty for more than 500 political prisoners who are listed by the NDFP had already been agreed upon by both parties in the first series of talks last August. It will also be in compliance with the previously signed agreements— Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees. Both parties agreed to submit the prepared draft to GRP President Duterte.
Also, last October 6, the NDFP national leadership announced the resignation of Jalandoni as chair of its panel. He will serve as senior adviser to the talks. Fidel V. Agcaoili will replace him as the new Chairperson. Benito Tiamzon was named as a new panel member.
http://www.cpp.ph/socio-economic-reforms-core-talks/
Last October 6, Jose Maria Si- son, senior consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), expressed that it is premature to talk about laying down of arms on the second round of negotiations. Moreover, both panels have to discuss the outline of the negotiations first, especially CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms), to see its benefits for the Filipino people.
After almost two decades and two major world economic crises, the two panels need to discuss a key crisis-protection agreement, said Jazmines.
The NDFP draft for this agenda has already been prepared since 1998. In light of the worsening crisis brought by neoliberal policies, the revolutionary movement updated the CASER draft. “However, land reform and national industrialization is still the main content of our proposal because of these twin economic development strategies’ proven resilience to the crisis of globalization,” Jazmines added.
“While we expect lively and contentious discussions on CASER, we also hope that both parties are strong-willed enough to overcome differences in order to solve the armed conflict at its roots,” said Randall Echanis, member of RWC-SER.
In line with this, the NDFP clarified that laying down of arms will not be discussed in the second round of peace negotiations.
Based on the agenda outline in the ongoing talks, democratic rights and welfare of the people come first while discussion on the disposition of armed forces will be on the final leg.
“If oppression and exploitation persist, why should the revolutionary government surrender?” asked Sison.
The NDFP also reminded GRP of its obligation to release political prisoners. This is the response to GRP panel chairperson Silvestre Bello’s statement that amnesty will only be given after negotiations.
According to Comrade Luis Jalandoni, amnesty for more than 500 political prisoners who are listed by the NDFP had already been agreed upon by both parties in the first series of talks last August. It will also be in compliance with the previously signed agreements— Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees. Both parties agreed to submit the prepared draft to GRP President Duterte.
Also, last October 6, the NDFP national leadership announced the resignation of Jalandoni as chair of its panel. He will serve as senior adviser to the talks. Fidel V. Agcaoili will replace him as the new Chairperson. Benito Tiamzon was named as a new panel member.
http://www.cpp.ph/socio-economic-reforms-core-talks/
Ang Bayan (The Nation) is the official propaganda/news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the party's Central Committee. It describes the actions of party as well as its point of view on issues and events in the Philippines.
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