Duterte blames derailed PH growth on Reds

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2020 08:15:04 +0000

PRESIDENT Duterte attends the distribution of benefits to former rebels at the San Isidro Central School in Leyte. At left is Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista. (Presidential photo)

The country could have enjoyed progress a long time ago if the communist rebels had not waged an armed conflict against the government, President Duterte said last Thursday.

The President blamed the communist rebellion for derailing the nation’s growth during his visit to Leyte, insisting that fighting should stop for the sake of their children.

“Seriously, I’m not joking. Our nation could have prospered a long time ago had it not been for you New People’s Army. If only you were working for the progress of our nation,” he said during the distribution of benefits to former rebels in San Isidro.

“What you want is change, but you want to achieve that through armed struggle. So who are the ones preventing Philippines from progressing?” he said.

Mounting an armed rebellion would not force the government to cower in fear and surrender, Duterte pointed out.

“Just because you’re carrying guns doesn’t mean the government should just cower down and give you everything you’re asking for. That’s not right. Not everything you’re asking from the government would bring peace to our communities. That’s the truth,” he said.

And even if the communist insurgency wins, Duterte expressed doubt the rebel leaders could govern the country.

“You want to be a governor and you want to be a congressman. When you get there, your speaker doesn’t know anything. If you suddenly won tomorrow, what will you do in Manila?
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