FIRING LINE: I love peace, but pardon my skepticism

By Robert B. Roque, Jr.

In a surprising twist of history, the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) have agreed to resume peace talks, signaling an unexpected détente after decades of conflict.

It raises eyebrows, though, and prompts a cautious reflection. The irony is stark: the same communists who once vowed to dismantle the Marcos administration in the 1970s now find themselves at the negotiating table with the son of that very figure. Their shared commitment to addressing socioeconomic issues and foreign threats sounds noble, yet one cannot ignore the historical acrimony.

President Junior’s departure from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s policies also raises questions about the communists’ true motives. Take, for example, the issue of foreign threats — China, of course — as a catalyst for dialogue among sworn political and armed enemies since post-Martial Law Philippines. 

Administration after administration, since Cory Aquino’s time, talking peace with the NDF has consistently failed. Now, it all suddenly shifts dramatically? The Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is at its lowest ebb, with government-led development initiatives dismantling the roots of peasants’ discontent that the insurgency once exploited.

The challenge lies in discerning whether this negotiation is a genuine pursuit of peace or a strategic maneuver by the communists to adapt to a changing political climate. As they craft a framework, it’s crucial to acknowledge the evolving dynamics and remain vigilant. The ghosts of a 50-year conflict won’t be dispelled overnight, and the public must scrutinize this unexpected alliance in the context of the present reality — a CPP-NPA weakened and government projects penetrating the very heart of their historical stronghold.

Traitors in media

In a recent interview with DZRH radio, Senator JV Ejercito bemoaned how some supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte are siding with China’s interests over our own. He mentions a group of pro-Duterte writers and social media influencers who went on a two-week, all-expense-paid trip to Beijing.

“They might have been indoctrinated,” the senator said in Filipino, adding that these media people suddenly poked and barked at him, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela, and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro over their comments against China.

The senator even cites credible intel from government security officials that some of these Filipinos with media following and presence could be on the payroll of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and that their recent trip to Beijing, courtesy of the CCP’s National Radio and Television Administration, is not by chance.

The suggestion, of course, is utterly disgusting. Beware of these once-patriotic voices now barking against fellow Filipinos critical of China in such a disheartening display of misplaced loyalty. Loyalty to the country should outweigh any foreign sway. Let’s unfollow and shut the door to the media platforms of these traitors.

*         *         *

SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at http://www.thephilbiznews.com

The post FIRING LINE: I love peace, but pardon my skepticism appeared first on THEPHILBIZNEWS.