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Left to discuss peace talks resumption with Leni

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The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) said it plans to engage in discussions with Vice President Leni Robredo for the resumption of its peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

Recently-appointed NDFP Negotiating Panel interim chairperson Julie de Lima said the Left should “engage the (GRP’s) constitutional successor to press for the resumption of the peace negotiation as a rallying point in the effort to oust [GRP President Rodrigo] Duterte,” the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Ang Bayan reported.

“[T]he NDFP, including its panel, should hold discussions with opposition parties, in particular, the Liberal Party,” de Lima told the underground newsletter.

She added that prospects for resuming the peace negotiations after Duterte, whether he is ousted or he finishes his term, “are possible and desirable.”

De Lima pointed out the peace negotiations can immediately resume on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) once Duterte is out of office.  

Duterte cancelled the peace negotiations in July 2017 as both the GRP and NDFP were ready to finalize important agreements under the CASER.

Prior to her new appointment, de Lima is a long-time NDFP Negotiating Panel member and head of its Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms.

CASER to combat COVID-19

The CASER, de Lima said, has relevant provisions on confronting the issue of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The draft agreement has a whole article consisting of seven sections which are devoted to the discussion of the people’s right to health. This includes the establishment of a universal public health system that provides free, comprehensive and quality health services for all,” de Lima explained.

The CASER provides immediate and adequate financial, material, moral and psychosocial support, ensuring disaster preparedness and respons, and holding criminally and civilly liable corrupt and grossly negligent officials, she added.

“The NDFP and GRP can elaborate on the issue based on a summing up of experience and learning lessons from both sides as well as from the positive and negative practices of foreign countries and international agencies in responding and confronting this particular pandemic as well as other pandemics.”

Robredo has yet to respond to Kodao’s request for a reply to de Lima’s statement. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)

Itanong Mo Kay Prof: Paglalagay sa Panganib sa Mamamayan Hinggil sa Maling Pananaw sa Aktibismo

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Panayam kay Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Chair Emeritus ng International League of People’s Struggle, ni Prof. Sarah Raymundo hinggil sa maling pananaw sa aktibismo at paano ito nakakaapekto sa pagturing rito ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Agosto 16, 2019

Workers support peace talks

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Workers led by the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement) trooped to Mendiola, Manila on June 24, 2016 to support the peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the government under President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. They called for the release of all political prisoners.

(Contributed video by ILPS Philippines)

INTERVIEW: If you continue the struggle, you will be free–Leila Khaled (Full)

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Palestinian struggle for freedom icon Leila Khaled visited the Philippines to attend an international anti-imperialist assembly and the launch of the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association. She visited the Lumad camp at a church compound and attended an anti-APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) protest action on the streets of Manila.

On her last day in the country she sat with Kodao Productions in an interview about her assessment of the visit.

Watch the full interview here.

Solidarity with Paris and Beirut

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Delegates of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) for its 5th International Assembly marched in the Philippines to light candles and offer flowers for the victims of terror attacks in Paris and Beirut. They called for justice and condemned the US as the “No. 1 terrorist” for its wars and using the Daesh or ISIS/ISIL for its imperialist interest.

Global activists hold international conference in Manila before APEC summit

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More than 300 activists from all over the world are converging on Manila to hold an international conference starting tomorrow and challenge the Association of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next week.

Saying the world would be better off without APEC and other multilateral agreements that benefit only one percent of the world’s population, the International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS) said they represent 99 percent of the world’s population who suffer from increasing hunger and injustices under a global economic system controlled by rich and powerful countries.

“We will not mince our words. APEC claims that it is building a better word and…inclusive economics. APEC, in fact, is peddling a lie,” multi-awarded Canadian filmmaker Malcolm Guy said.
ILPS Philippines coordinator and former legislator Liza Masa said that the Philippines has become number two importer of rice after it joined the APEC in 1994.

“The influx of imported goods displaced our farmed and workers and stunted our local production. All thanks to APEC neo-liberal trade policies and the gross ineptness of our own government,” Masa said.

She warned that APEC’s brand of interconnectivity of member countries’ labor sectors and economies is only aimed at further enslaving the poor and enriching the rich.

Palestinian liberation fighter Leila Khaled said she is attending the conference to tell the world about their ongoing struggle against Israeli zionism and United States imperialism that are the leading sources of militarization of marginalized peoples in the world. “Everything that the leaders of powerful countries are going to say during the APEC summit here in Manila should instantly be considered a lie,”she said.

The ILPS is said to be the largest global formation of militant and anti-imperialist activists with hundreds of member organizations in 36 countries.

Delegates to its 5th General Assembly here in Manila are expected to hold protest actions against the APEC as well as solidarity activities with the Lumad of Mindanao who are themselves holding their Manilakbayan protests until the last week of the month. “As citizens of the world, we intend to let our voices be heard,” Guy said. ###