Go throws support behind NTF-ELCAC as peers want to cut its budget

Senator Bong Go said he remains firm in his position in support of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, particularly its budget for 2022, to enable the body to continue to discharge its mandate effectively and help restore peace in areas plagued by conflict.

He issued the statement in response to a move in the Senate to reduce the NTF-ELCAC’s budget from P28.12 billion to only P4 billion.

The lawmaker had previously voiced his opposition to the cut, highlighting the need to ensure the continued provision of humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected populations.

“We have the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia. And in our quest to find that elusive lasting peace in the countryside, we need a whole-of-government approach to solve poverty and lack of education, and to address government neglect,” said Go.

“Napakalaki ng papel ng NTF-ELCAC sa hangarin nating magkaroon ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan, lalo na sa mga kapos sa buhay at nasa malalayong komunidad sa bansa,” he said.

“Kung kaya’t kamakailan ay tumutol ako sa pagtapyas ng budget nito. Hindi natin hahayaang masasayang ang mga nasimulang programang pangkapayaan ng Administrasyong Duterte,” he added.

Go underscored the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach employed by the Task Force in addressing the root causes of the insurgency and attaining inclusive peace and development in the affected areas.

“Imbes na bawasan, dagdagan pa dapat natin ang pondo ng NTF-ELCAC para mas maengganyo natin ang mas maraming Pilipinong magbalik-loob sa lipunan at mamuhay ng normal kasama ang kanilang pamilya,” he said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)