PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Saturday, Sept. 16, said he is willing to resume peace talks with communist rebels, upon consultation with the legislature and the judiciary.

Mr. Duterte had canceled the talks following rebel attacks on government forces.

In a speech in Davao City, Mr. Duterte said he is still open to have peace talks but this should be in consultation with Congress and the Supreme Court (SC).

“…There are things which I cannot concede alone because I am not the only one in control of this government,” he said.

“I share power with Congress and the Supreme Court. So do not ask for something in a hurry and for those which are not really acceptable to the other branches of government,” he added.

“Pag-usapan natin ‘yan ng masinsinan (Let’s talk about this thoroughly). Do not be in a hurry because we have been fighting for the last 50 years. And you just cannot ignore that period of violence and killing on both sides….There are things which (have) to be done. We have to clear it with the Speaker periodically and the Senate President.”

For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella on Sunday affirmed Mr. Duterte’s remarks, “considering,” he added, “the many lives lost, civilian, and government property destroyed before (we return) to the negotiating table with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front).”

“In spite of (Mr. Duterte)’s firm position to protect the nation from violence and terrorism, his fundamental goal is sustainable and lasting peace, which in this case begins with addressing the social injustice as the historical root of conflict,” he added. — Rosemarie A. Zamora

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