PARTY leaders of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives have come together to form a united front to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s all-encompassing peace initiative.
“As the united voice of the House of Representatives, representing all political parties, we collectively express our unwavering support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative for peace and national unity,” read the political parties’ joint statement that was released Tuesday by House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco.
President Marcos’ pursuit of peace–“a historic move” according to the lawmakers–marks a “pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development.”
“President Marcos’s call for peace transcends political boundaries and speaks to the core of our shared values as Filipinos. It is a call for understanding, cooperation, and collective action towards a future where every citizen can live in harmony and prosperity,” the House leaders said.
According to Velasco, those who supported the peace initiative of President Marcos were party leaders Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” S. Aquino II of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats; Rizal Rep. Michael John R. Duavit, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC); Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and Romblon Rep Eleandro Jesus “Budoy” Madrona of the Nacionalista Party (NP); Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia of the National Unity Party (NUP); Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, and Barangay Health & Wellness (BHW) Partylist Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI); and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco of the Partido Navoteño and a representative of other political parties in the House of Representatives.
Earlier, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez led in the filing of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) Nos. 19, 20, 21, and 22, which sought to concur with the amnesty proclamations President Marcos issued earlier in favor of various rebel groups.
Amnesty Proclamations No. 403, 404, 405, and 406 cover members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CP-NPA-NDF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.
Speaker Romualdez reiterated on Tuesday the chamber’s intention to adopt all four concurrent resolutions before the Christmas break.
“The timely adoption of these concurrent resolutions is attuned with the spirit of hope, peace, and joy that the Christmas season brings,” Speaker Romualdez, leader of the House of Representatives, said.
The Committee on Justice began its deliberations on House Concurrent Resolutions (HCR) Nos. 19, 20, 21, and 22 on Tuesday.
“Recognizing the complexities and challenges of this peace process, we pledge our support and commitment to contribute constructively to these negotiations. We are united in the belief that through dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect, we can overcome historical divides and build a more inclusive and peaceful nation,” the political parties said in the joint statement.
“We urge all Filipinos from every corner of our archipelago to join us in this noble pursuit. It is only through our joint efforts that we can turn the aspirations of peace, unity, and progress into reality,” they said in an appeal.
“In solidarity, we commend President Marcos for his visionary leadership. Together, as a united House of Representatives and as one nation, we look forward to a future marked by peace, unity, and prosperity for all Filipinos,” they concluded.
