Let's Build Peace We Can All Own

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I salute GMA's recent directive to have "thorough review" of all peace initiatives.

flag of the philippinesIndeed, I subscribe to the directive that a thorough review of all peace initiatives are in order. We have had peace panels for so long now, but what have we really gained so far?

This is not to say the peace panels are not doing their jobs. Far from it. In fact, the Social Reform Agenda launched by former President Fidel V. Ramos during his term from 1992 to 1998 was the result of the peace process.

But that was then. It's 2008 and at the rate things go at present, we can end up dismembering the country. Giving in too much to MILF for instance will infuriate the Lumads, who may end up carving their own territory in Mindanao. Why indeed were they not part of the negotiating table to craft the MOA AD?

Then what about the Christians in the eastern side who vouch for an independent Federal Republic of Mindanao? Do we think they would just sit down and watch?

It's time to do a reality check and retreat a little bit. These are shaky times. A lot of people do not want to make a choice outside of Peace, me included.

But let it be a Peace we all can own.

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