By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Speaking before the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) national convention at the SMX Convention Center at SM City Bacolod, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who chairs the peace panel for the Philippine government, said he wants a PCL representative on the panel in negotiations with the National Democratic Front.
According to Bello, those participating in the convention “are the front liners of government.”
He also said the peace panel needs their support, especially in providing input and suggestions on socio-economic reform.
Bello cited the advisory roles of Mayors Herbert Bautista of Quezon City and Ed Pamintuan of Angeles City with the peace panel representing local governments.
He also announced the government agreed to NDF demands of genuine land reform.
The cabinet secretary said he expects talks to resume by mid-July./WDJ